Justice committee  I just want to add....

Justice committee  Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Services are needed, but we still have to distinguish between an act among consenting adults and an act of abuse. People need to recognize that an act between two consenting adults is a different matter. However, better resources have to be provided fo

Justice committee  You asked the question in English, but I would just like to add that, when it comes to education and prevention, a sex worker has to build their character. I am personally a big believer in peer education. I am currently working at AIDS Vancouver Island with people who have subst

Justice committee  I think that assistance for individuals has to be enhanced. The $20-million amount is not enough to help all the provinces. We already have legislation on human trafficking and minors. I think that assistance for organizations needs to be enhanced, whether we are talking about o

Justice committee  I think that would have prevented me from working in safety. I would have been more afraid, since my clients could be criminalized. That's very important. Assessing clients is very important. Among sex workers, we send one another messages and warnings to be careful. A list of p

Justice committee  I would like to add something to this. When I was 18 years old, I had a friend who worked in a corner store and was murdered. There are risks everywhere. It's true that the risk is very high in sex trade. That's why we need organizations managed by and for the community, and t

Justice committee  I am definitely in favour of decriminalization. I think that's really a good start. A criminal record can close many doors. I did this job of my own free will, but if I had a criminal record, I may have had problems with my other jobs.

Justice committee  I did have one, but it was expunged because it involved a miscarriage of justice. Having that record was very limiting for me.

Justice committee  Good afternoon. My name is Natasha Potvin. I am a Métis woman. I am proud of having worked in the sex industry. I was involved in it from the age of 21 to the age of 37. That was admittedly a choice I made.

Justice committee  As I was saying, I worked in the sex industry from the age of 21 to the age of 37. This was a choice I made for my daughter, and I am proud of that. It was also my choice to come testify before you today. I have had two children and a husband for 11 years. I live in Victoria. I