(Ottawa)- ÂÂThe Ottawa Police Service is reviewing today’s judgment by the Supreme Court of Canada in regards to Canada’s prostitution laws.
The key drivers for the enforcement of these laws have been community concerns and complaints.
While we review the Supreme Court’s decision, our focus remains on responding to community concerns and protecting individuals, most often women, who are involved in the sex trade.
Our initial review of the ruling is that it takes into account the impact of prostitution on communities and the Court has suspended the invalidity of the laws for a period of one year. As such, our understanding is that those laws remain valid and available to police.
The suspension allows Parliament to provide its response. As Chief of the Police for the City of Ottawa, I await that response. I will also await further advice and direction from the Crown Attorney and the Attorney General of Ontario.