I spent a couple of hours yesterday with a woman from our neighbor to the north, where the sale of sexual favors is completely legal. Once I figured out that she was completely uninterested in pretending that we were just 2 kids sneaking off for some illicit fun the conversation actually became quite interesting. She had no problem at all talking about the trials and tribulations of her business, and I actually found it kind of refreshing. This is a side of life we Americans are not often exposed to, and certainly are not allowed to talk about. So, what did I learn?

First, she considered becoming a sex worker a perfectly viable career path. She was working in what sounded like what would be a minimum wage job here in the States, and was dissatisfied. Obviously, she doesn't mind seeing gentlemen she wouldn't ordinarily be attracted to (cf. her date with me), and she actually considers the sex as a perk of the job, so she, after a period of reflection on the risks and rewards, chose a new job: hooker (in her own words). The fact that she did not have to worry about running afoul of the law probably aided in her decision.

The economics of running a small business in the sex trade is largely like that of what is termed the "real world." Her escort career began with her walking into an agency. After a time, she left and took some time to assess whether or not to continue in the business, finally deciding to become independent. She started off advertising in BP (which she stated is an acceptable venue for ads up there), and quickly became overwhelmed with business, to the point where she had to hire a phone assistant. Ultimately, she decided to become more professional, creating a website, and raising her rates. This resulted in a drop off in volume but an increase in the quality of the client. She does worry about the lack of repeat business, and has discussed this with an escort friend of hers whose clientele is largely repeaters. This forces her to spend a bit more on marketing and advertising. I was surprised by this, and told her I would certainly repeat if I lived in her city.

Because sex work is legal there, her rates are held in check due to what is probably an oversupply in her city. For what I paid in the U.S. I could have had twice as much time in Canada. The exchange rate would certainly work in my favor there, as it will when she goes to convert my American dollars in Canadian dollars. We even discussed various scenarios of cross-border client/provider relationships, and how much it would benefit the American buyer.

It's often alluded to on the various boards here at TER, but she frankly stated to me that this kind of work takes a somewhat heavy psychic toll on the provider. Sure, it can be quite lucrative, and glamorous at times, but it still involves being involved in what is an extremely intimate act with a complete stranger. One would have to be a complete psychopath for that to not affect him/her.

I have to admit I found the level of candor quite refreshing. The bedroom fun was quite enjoyable, too, in case you were wondering

Illegal for the guy. Isn't that how it works now? We have a proud Canadian lady in my area who also decided sex worker is a great career choice. I thank her. I enjoy those real conversations.

It was illegal for pimps and houses, I believe.

It is in Europe that laws that ban johns are taking hold

It doesn't matter whether she's an indy or not.  Except in Ontario, where the current law was recently overthrown by a circuit court.  See the end of this article for a description of how the recent ruling affects the country as a whole.

Montreal agency gals are 200-220 CAD/hour thats 150-170 USD/hour. Great place for the hobby. We are still complaining about the hobby law here, its called Bill C-36. The girls complain too says it really does nothing to make them any safer.

From what I read, the law is under legal review. Is it being enforced?

Its mainly there as a tool for the police to prosecute suspected human traffickers so when it first came into effect a lot of well known Asian agencies here shut down. It's also scared some Johns into hobbying less frequently or not at all and its scared some providers into retiring or not starting a career here at all. It's being enforced but its main legal intent is to stop human trafficking and underage prostitution. They leave the rest of us alone because we're not cost effective to go after, too many Johns and Janes.

It's legal for her to sell it to you with certain restrictions like not being near a school or anything. But it is still illegal for you to buy it. If you want legal prostitution you can go to places like Germany or parts of Nevada.

It's still illegal to buy in Ontario.  The article that you linked is from March 26, 2012 which was before the new law was passed.

See the link below for a more recent article..

There is no such thing as 'prostitution' in Canada.
When you see an escort here, you are paying for her time and her company or to take her out on a date, NOT to give you anything sexual! Geez. Canadian girls sure know how to make you comfortable, manly and give some stimulating conversation. I mean what else is there to do on the (approaching) long, cold winter nights. Nothing like an intelligent conversation to get the juices flowing! And she'll even send you off with a warm hug You can't beat that

END OF MESSAGE

Isn't that what escorts are for here too? They escort you out on the town and take you to dinner...

This doesnt make sense. It legal to sell but not legal to buy? So how is it done? Whenever you sell, someone needs to buy. Please explain.

Not remotely an expert on Canadian law, but that is how the Nordic model works that I believe Canada follows. Clients are the ones breaking the law not the providers. Clients go to jail, get fined and the like. Providers can't get busted for selling but you can for buying. I believe there are charges provider's can still get like advertising, street walking, too close to a school,  and more. Again I could be wrong, never hobbyed up there, and don't live up there but I have read up on it a bit.

What they are doing is trying to destroy the market and the demand for it without penalizing the women. The feeling is that they have been exploited already I guess. It's kind of like going after drug dealers but not drug users in some ways even though that's a bit of a reversal.

Prostitution was legal in Rhode Island but once people realized that there was no law in the books they enacted a law against it.

This is their livelihood, throwing their customers in jail takes food off their table.  

More soccer mom, convoluted "logic" What a fucking crock.

They are trying to combat sex trafficking but it sounds like the people laying down the laws don't really get how it works and equate all prostitution with sex trafficking. The focus should at least begin with eliminating underage trafficking. Quadruple the penalties for it for the pimps and for the customers seeking it. Then target all sex trafficking regardless of age.  But I don't think that they should lump in women in their 20's, 30's, 40's who are not being trafficked. You cannot stop all prostitution so why not focus on the underage stuff and the people who are basically being extorted or kidnapped?