The NDP says women working in Canada's sex trade deserve safety..Unfortunately, workers claim the stigmatization that comes along with working in such an industry is creating barriers for government services, and many times abuse by customers is not reported.."Stigmatization means barriers in accessing health care," NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron said.."Stigmatization means workers are not reporting abuse, in fear of judgment by those in power. Stigmatization means indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals over-represented in the sex trade continue to go missing or are murdered.".Barron said "Stigmatization means organizations working to provide essential supports are struggling to access reliable funding. Stigmatization means those working in the sex trade were not eligible, by the government, for CERB.".Lucy, not her real name, has been working in Canada's sex industry for the last seven years. She told the Western Standard, "My nights are unpredictable.".The 45-year-old woman says she began working in the industry at an adult massage studio, where she became manager for a short time. However, because of extensive drug use and unprotected services by other women, she felt as though it was not a safe work environment.."There was no security for ladies working late at night," Lucy said. "I eventually left that place to work on my own.".But Lucy knows the risks and the danger she is putting herself in by working in such an industry. She says "everything is a weapon" when the Western Standard asked if she carries a weapon to her meetings.."I do not carry a specific weapon, but I have adequate self-defense training and I am selective on who I accept as a client," Lucy said. "I never go with anyone without sharing my location and some client identifying information such as a picture of the license plate or address.".Lucy also has a friend who checks in with her within a certain amount of time just to make sure that she's alright..During the pandemic, Lucy only serviced her regular clients, but said she feels business was consistent with the services she provided before the COVID-19 pandemic.."The first two months were slow," said Lucy, who added all of her clients were vaccinated. However, she did not apply for CERB and kept working despite the scary nights. She says some clients try to take advantage of her.."One scary night was when a client invited me to his address, I confirmed it was just him there before I entered," Lucy said. "Instead of one man, there were seven expecting services. I quickly left.".The NDP says the stigmatization that these workers face means the Liberal government is dragging its heels to deliver legislation to protect sex trade workers. Instead, the NDP claims it is driving them further into isolation.."Money does not buy the right to disrespect you as a human," said Lucy, who noted and the Liberal government should regulate the industry here in Canada.."The government needs to un-shame sex workers and provide safety services for sex workers who need them..However, Lucy says not all service providers are the same.."There is a huge problem with addiction and mental health problems within the working group in both male, trans and female groups," Lucy said..Currently, the government considers prostitution a crime against women and has said its ultimate goal is to see it stamped out entirely. Under Bill C-36, sex workers are considered victims of sexual exploitation that disproportionately impacts women and girls. Sex work is still legal in Canada, although the purchase of the service is not. Canada's prostitution laws, which came into effect in 2014, set out to decriminalize parts of the sex trade on the premise such work is inherently exploitative..However, Lucy says those involved in the industry she knows dispute the government's take on the trade. ."The laws push sex workers into dangerous situations by criminalizing nearly every aspect of their job, it's time for Canada to un-shame us and regulate our industry," Lucy concluded.
