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RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT:

Sex Work & Border Crossing: What do sex workers need to be aware of when travelling internationally?

Sex Work, The Law and You.

We've got a sparknotes resource for sex workers looking to understand the implications of current anti-sex work laws including guidelines around how these regulations impact our ability to communicate, advertise and collaborate with others. 

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Canada/USA Border Considerations

This resource provides broad border-crossing considerations for sex workers crossing the Canada-USA border including what to expect if stopped, questioned, detained or banned. 

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Holiday Destination Considerations

This resource provides broad border-crossing considerations for sex workers travelling to popular holiday destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Oceania and Europe.

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International, Cross Border, SW Regulation

This resource supplements our Holiday Destination resource and provides an overview of what sex work regulation looks like across several popular holiday destinations.

Sex Work and The Law: In Depth

What does the legal regulation of sex work in Canada mean for sex workers looking to work? 

Criminal Code Changes After Bill C-36: The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on evidence-based approaches to Bill C-36.

Criminalizing the Advertising of Sex: Impacts and Consequences 

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impacts of provisions criminalizing the advertising of sexual services. 

Criminalizing Purchasing of Sex: Impacts and Consequences 

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impact of provisions criminalizing the purchase of sexual services. 

Third Parties and The Law

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impacts of provisions criminalizing "Third Parties" across various forms of sex work. 

Migrant Sex Workers & Sex Work-Related Laws

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impact of anti-sex work provisions on Im/Migrant sex workers. 

Final Report: Safety, Dignity and Equality - Recommendations for Sex Work Law Reform in Canada

From the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, this report summarizes our member groups' collective position on anti-sex work laws and pathways towards law reform. 

Criminal Code Changes After Bill C-36: The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on evidence-based approaches to Bill C-36.

Criminalizing the Advertising of Sex: Impacts and Consequences 

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impacts of provisions criminalizing the advertising of sexual services. 

Criminalizing Purchasing of Sex: Impacts and Consequences 

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impact of provisions criminalizing the purchase of sexual services. 

Third Parties and The Law

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impacts of provisions criminalizing "Third Parties" across various forms of sex work. 

Migrant Sex Workers & Sex Work-Related Laws

A resource from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform on the impact of anti-sex work provisions on Im/Migrant sex workers. 

Final Report: Safety, Dignity and Equality - Recommendations for Sex Work Law Reform in Canada

From the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, this report summarizes our member groups' collective position on anti-sex work laws and pathways towards law reform. 

General Legal Resources: 

What other areas of law/legal contexts should I be aware of as a current/former sex worker? 

Sex Work & Child/Family Law

Through the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, please find a number of resource guides and reference materials on the legal regulation of sex work in Canada and how these regulations impact sex workers in everyday life.

Sex Work & Border Crossing

We've developed a quick guide for current and former sex workers related to Border Crossing including key considerations, details on what to expect, and how to access information on sex work regulation in Canada and abroad. 

Sex Work and Tenants Rights

What are your rights as a tenant? Can your landlord evict you on the suspicion of engaging in sex work? This resource walks through the landscape of tenants rights and your options when dealing with hostile landlords. 

Sex Work and Tenants Rights - Navigating Toronto Community Housing.

This resource is specific to current and future Toronto Community Housing Corp (TCHC) residents describing some of the key consideration that may arise from housing law in Ontario. 

Responding to Violence Against Sex Workers - Criminal and Civil Pathways.

From questions to ask, an overview of potential legal options and the landscape of the criminal justice system for survivors and an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of the criminal and civil system. 

Changing Gender and Name Change Markers in Ontario/Canada.

This resource explores name and gender marker changes in Ontario, providing an overview of how to update provincial and federal identification. 

Sex Work & Policy Developments: 

What policy developments at the local, provincial and federal level should sex workers be aware of?

Bill 251: Ontarios Anti-Trafficking Legislation and Sex Work 

This resource provides an early overview of Bill 251 - the Combatting Human Trafficking Act (2021) including its impact on existing laws that affect sex worker communities in Ontario. 

Bill S-210 An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material

Bill S-210 is being considered and not currently in effect. The following submission from the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform details some of the harmful elements of the bill that may impact sex workers. 

Bill 184: Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act

On July 21, 2020, the Ontario Government passed Bill - 184, Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act. This resource provides an overview of key changes and considerations for sex workers.

Toronto Municipal Licensing and Regulation

What should Toronto-based sex workers in licensed venues be aware of? 

Strippers: Adult Entertainer (Dancer) License

n the City of Toronto, exotic dancers require a license to work in strip clubs. This license is obtained online or in person through Municipal Licensing and Standards Division. 

Associated Fees (Including GST): 

  • Application fee: $159.43 

  • Licence fee: $302.88 

Massage Attendants: Body Rubber (Massage) License

In the City of Toronto, massage workers are required to obtain a Body Rubber (Massage) License online or in person through the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division.

Associated Fees (Including GST):

  • Application fee: $159.46 

  • Licence fee: $302.88 

Torontos Municipal Bylaws and Dancers/Massage Workers

Those carrying Adult Entertainer and Body Rubber licenses are subject to Toronto's Municipal Bylaws under Section 545

Locate the specific bylaws: Adult Entertainment Clubs: p.164 (545-362) - Body Rub Parlours: p.148 (545-372)

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LOCATION

We do not publicize our address to ensure the safety of our staff and community members- please contact for details. We are located five minutes from Yonge/Dundas Square in downtown Toronto closest to Queen Station or Dundas Station on TTC.

HOURS

Please note our main office location is undergoing renovations. Connect to learn more about program/ workshop locations. Our phone line is monitored Monday-Friday from 12pm/EST-5pm/EST and we aim to return messages within 24 hours.

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