Winnipeg moves step closer to cutting ties with body rub parlours and escort agencies
The city could soon cut ties with adult-oriented businesses operating in Winnipeg.
In a unanimous vote, the Mayor’s Executive Policy Committee voted in favour of a report to repeal licensing requirements and rules for escort agencies, escorts, body rub parlours and body rub practitioners.
“This would be obviously a very big change and a historic change,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
The move comes after advocates fighting against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls urged the city to end the licensing regime.
“The city is the pimp, it endorses it, and we don’t want to be seen as that way,” said advocate Joy Smith. They say the businesses are prone to sex trafficking and exploitation and that the city should not profit from this.
“Body rub parlours, escort services, and other so-called adult businesses are conduits to the horrific abuse of women and girls,” said Smith. According to the report, the city currently issues licenses for two body parlours, 27 body rub practitioners, one independent escort agency and one escort.
It says ending the license requirement would cost the city around $23,000.
“Let’s not make laws to benefit the few when we know it harms the most,” said Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Executive Director Diane Redsky. But the committee did not support the entire report.
In a 4-3 vote against, it rejected a plan that would see training for community organizations and taxi drivers to recognize signs of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Some sex workers raised concerns this type of training could expose them to unwanted surveillance and force them underground.
Claudyne Chevrier, a researcher who has studied sex work, says sex trafficking and sex work should not be lumped together in the same sentence.
“We’re talking about two different realities, and there are many, many sex workers who are not at all trafficked,” said Chevrier.
This now moves to council for a final vote.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.