2022-13 UPDATE: ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROTECTION OF COMMUNITIES AND EXPLOITED PERSONS ACT (PCEPA)
Whereas #1 – In 1983 the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to amend the Criminal Code to remove the prohibition of soliciting (except in the case of adults soliciting from minors) from the code and increase penalties for procuring and living wholly or in part on the avails of prostitution of another person; and
Whereas #2 – The NCWC Resolution passed in 1983 was achieved in 2014 with the passing of the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA), but the danger that the law could be repealed, thereby decriminalizing the exploiters (sex buyers, pimps, and traffickers), would greatly increase danger to women, children, and youth.
Whereas #3 – The PCEPA law currently criminalizes sex buyers, pimps, and other exploiters, but decriminalizing the sex industry completely would absolve the exploiters from prosecution and allow them to continue with impunity, making Canada a haven for sex trafficking.
Whereas #4 – No significant educational program has been implemented to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable women, children, and youth.
Whereas #5 – PCEPA calls for support to those wishing to exit the sex industry, since access to the basic needs of life (as well as trauma counselling) are critical to supporting victims wanting to leave the sex industry.
Whereas #6 – This is a large and significant national and international issue that cannot be resolved by any one organization or country, so it is important to work together within Canada and with other countries to protect all against this heinous crime with partnerships of all like-minded organizations and working together, be it resolved that:
Resolved #1 – The National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that sex buyers, pimps, and traffickers be criminalized, the public and institutions be educated, and support be provided to those wishing to exit the sex industry.
Resolved #2 – NCWC urges the Government of Canada to encourage enforcement of PCEPA at local levels as critical to discouraging trafficking for sexual exploitation, specifically to target sex buyers and ensure that law enforcement implements new policies, procedures, and guidelines, including training, so that PCEPA is consistently enforced across the country.
Resolved #3 – NCWC urges the Federal Government to support the law through educational programs for law enforcement, the justice system, the health care system, and through meetings with the general public on the importance of enforcement and implementation of this law.
Resolved #4 – NCWC urges the Government to work with and fund community stakeholders to provide exit strategies in the form of safe housing, health services, trauma counselling, and all the other services required for successfully exiting the sex trade for prostituted and trafficked individuals, including children and youth.
Resolved #5 – NCWC forms partnerships with NGOs and corporations that support PCEPA and urges the Government of Canada to do the same at the international level with countries that support this equality model.