While the decision by an Ontario judge to strike down several key provisions of Canada’s prostitution laws is being appealed, things won’t change for sex trade workers and clients in Ottawa.
“I’m determined to make sure that business gets carried on like usual for the next 30 days at least,” Mayor Larry O’Brien said Wednesday. “After that, we’ll have to take a look at the laws and take a look at the status of the appeal.”
The incumbent said he supported Justice Minister Rob Nicholson’s decision to appeal the decision.
Suzanne Valiquet, executive director of the Quartier Vanier Businees Improvement Area, supported O’Brien’s position, saying that it has the potential to undo a lot of the work they’ve done to improve the area.
“This new ruling is not about the individuals setting up business here and screening their clients,” said Valiquet. “What they are doing here is allowing people who have drug addictions to continue to have drug addictions.”
