Shift has seen an increase in indoor workers seeking financial assistance and financial counseling since fall 2008. During the same time period the US was starting to call the economic downturn an official recession and Canada was close to follow suit. Many individuals that were seeking financial resources through Shift said that some of their regulars had become significantly less regular with their own individual economic hardships. Some individuals said that it seemed that there had been more competition for clients in massage parlors and in street level sex work. Some Sex Workers also reported that they themselves had lost income in their own investments.
In an article in Huffpost, “Sex Workers Getting Fucked by the Economy”, David Henry Sterry discusses the expectations that clients have towards Sex Workers and how those expectations have changed due to the recession. The author conducted interviews with Sex Workers in the US and many of them report to receiving significantly less compensation for services rendered and have been feeling increased pressure to look into other areas of work due to lack of demand (1). The National Counsel of Women in New Zealand released a press release on International Women’s Day calling attention to issues associated with the recession and its impact on Sex Workers. The counsel reports that women have been asked to negotiate compromising deals in order to generate income with clients, and also that Sex Workers in China were feeing increased pressure to perform bareback services.(2)
If you are experiencing financial difficulties you might be wondering what resources are available for Sex Workers in Alberta?
The type of government resources available to you depend on the area of Sex Work that you work in and if you have filed a tax return. It is recommended that if you are applying for Social Assistance that you contact Shift to assist with the application.
Employment Insurance: In order to qualify for Employment Insurance:
· You must have been employed by an agency or massage parlor
· You must have received a pay check from which tax was deducted (this is not applicable if you were considered a contract worker) and have been laid off by that agency.
· You must have filed a tax return. (3)
Alberta Works: Income support for people who are either unable to work due to injury or illness, or for people who have not been able to find employment. Residents of Alberta can qualify. The amount of money allocated per month is very low, but could be helpful in a time of emergency.
AISH: Income support for individuals with severe and long term disabilities.
There are also several community based resources available. Shift is experienced in providing support around budgeting, and can provide referrals to other community based programs to assist with finances and basic needs.
Impact on Health
Financial stress can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s well-being and mental and physical health. Carrying the burden of unpaid bills or fear of losing belongings can disrupt a persons mental health and may lead to anxiety, depression, and an increase in use of drugs and alcohol.(4) If you are feeling the burden of financial difficulties you can contact Shift or for 24 hour phone support you can reach the Distress Centre at 403-266-1605
For more information:
Money Matters: STAR Sex Trade Advocacy and Research
http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters.pdf
Employment Insurance
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/menu/eihome.shtml
Alberta Works
http://employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/3171.html
AISH
http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/AISH/
Resources:
Sterry (03/11/09) Sex Workers Getting Fucked by Limp Economy. Huffington Post retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-henry-sterry/sex-workers-getting-fcked_b_173730.html
National Council of Women New Zealand. (03/06/2009) Prostitution Hits Big in Recession. Retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0903/S00067.htm
STAR Sex Trade Advocacy and Research. (09/2004) Money Matters retrieved 03/23/09 http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters.pdf
Reardon (03/2009) March/April Social Work Today. Economic Squeeze — The Recession’s Impact on Behavioral Health. Retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/031109p12.shtml
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Escort Licensing
The law around sex work in Canada can be complicated and confusing. Particularly in Calgary where we have two different types of legalities to be concerned with: City Bylaws and the Criminal Code of Canada. This article will discuss Calgary Bylaws as they relate to indoor escorts. This article is in no way to act a legal document, for further information you can contact the City of Calgary business licenses department at 403-268-5521.
In order to work in Calgary as an escort and be legal with bylaws you must have an escort license, which is distributed by the City of Calgary. There are two ways to obtain a license, as an employee of an escort agency or through self-employment.
Requirements if Employed by an Agency:
18 years of age or older
Maintain a permanent residence in Calgary
Licensing and police check fees must be paid (fees are non-refundable)
$120 for license
$35 for police check
Statutory declaration form signed by a commissioner of oath (you can get this when you apply)
Letter of employment from agency
2 pieces of official ID
Calgary Police Service Security check
If you are already employed by an agency, call 268-5311 to set up an appointment to apply for your license. The office is located on the 3rd floor at 800 Macleod Trail SE. Bring all required documents with you and be prepared to receive and fill out additional forms once there.
Requirements if Self-Employed:
18 years of age or above
Maintain a permanent residence in Calgary
Licensing and police check fees must be paid at the time of application. (fees are non-refundable)
$120 for license
$35 for police check
You will also need to pay for a business license. This includes a fire check of $80 to approve your commercial space.
Statutory declaration form signed by a commissioner of oath (you can get this when you apply)
2 pieces of official ID
Calgary Police Service Security check
You must have an approved (licensed) commercial space; this can not be your home. You will need to apply for two licenses: one as an escort and one for an agency. You are considered an agency even if you are the only one working from that commercial space.
What is a police check?
You will complete a form for the Calgary Police Services. This is a basic background check that will show up any past criminal behavior. Be sure to clear up any warrants before you apply. If you have outstanding warrants you can be taken into custody while you are applying.
There are no set standards about what types of criminal activities can be used to deny a person their license. Even if a person has worked through the Alternative Measures Program they could still be denied. If the police do not recommend you for a license, your application will be denied.
What can I do if my application is denied due to my police check?
All applications can be appealed, free of cost, within 30 days of your denial. To make your appeal you will call the Chief License Inspector (268-5367). They will hear your case, and make a recommendation. If they feel that your charges are past issues and will not interfere with your ability to work, you can be granted you license. In some cases they will approve a license with conditions.
If they do not approve you, you can appeal once again to a higher body. This will cost you more money.
What happens if I get caught working without a license?
Occasionally Bylaw and Vice will work together and will set up dates with escorts. If you are caught working without a license you can be charged with bylaw offences. There may also be charges laid for violating the Canada Criminal Code.
Shift is available to help you through the process of applying for your escort license. We can help you fill out necessary forms and paperwork, accompany you to the licensing office, and develop your appeal if your license is denied. We are here to provide any support you may need throughout the process.
Source:
The City of Calgary Business Licenses retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_780_237_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Development+and+Building+Approvals+and+Land+Use+Planning+and+Policy/Business+Licences/Business+Licences.htm
In order to work in Calgary as an escort and be legal with bylaws you must have an escort license, which is distributed by the City of Calgary. There are two ways to obtain a license, as an employee of an escort agency or through self-employment.
Requirements if Employed by an Agency:
18 years of age or older
Maintain a permanent residence in Calgary
Licensing and police check fees must be paid (fees are non-refundable)
$120 for license
$35 for police check
Statutory declaration form signed by a commissioner of oath (you can get this when you apply)
Letter of employment from agency
2 pieces of official ID
Calgary Police Service Security check
If you are already employed by an agency, call 268-5311 to set up an appointment to apply for your license. The office is located on the 3rd floor at 800 Macleod Trail SE. Bring all required documents with you and be prepared to receive and fill out additional forms once there.
Requirements if Self-Employed:
18 years of age or above
Maintain a permanent residence in Calgary
Licensing and police check fees must be paid at the time of application. (fees are non-refundable)
$120 for license
$35 for police check
You will also need to pay for a business license. This includes a fire check of $80 to approve your commercial space.
Statutory declaration form signed by a commissioner of oath (you can get this when you apply)
2 pieces of official ID
Calgary Police Service Security check
You must have an approved (licensed) commercial space; this can not be your home. You will need to apply for two licenses: one as an escort and one for an agency. You are considered an agency even if you are the only one working from that commercial space.
What is a police check?
You will complete a form for the Calgary Police Services. This is a basic background check that will show up any past criminal behavior. Be sure to clear up any warrants before you apply. If you have outstanding warrants you can be taken into custody while you are applying.
There are no set standards about what types of criminal activities can be used to deny a person their license. Even if a person has worked through the Alternative Measures Program they could still be denied. If the police do not recommend you for a license, your application will be denied.
What can I do if my application is denied due to my police check?
All applications can be appealed, free of cost, within 30 days of your denial. To make your appeal you will call the Chief License Inspector (268-5367). They will hear your case, and make a recommendation. If they feel that your charges are past issues and will not interfere with your ability to work, you can be granted you license. In some cases they will approve a license with conditions.
If they do not approve you, you can appeal once again to a higher body. This will cost you more money.
What happens if I get caught working without a license?
Occasionally Bylaw and Vice will work together and will set up dates with escorts. If you are caught working without a license you can be charged with bylaw offences. There may also be charges laid for violating the Canada Criminal Code.
Shift is available to help you through the process of applying for your escort license. We can help you fill out necessary forms and paperwork, accompany you to the licensing office, and develop your appeal if your license is denied. We are here to provide any support you may need throughout the process.
Source:
The City of Calgary Business Licenses retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_780_237_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Development+and+Building+Approvals+and+Land+Use+Planning+and+Policy/Business+Licences/Business+Licences.htm
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sex Work and Canada Revenue
Can Sex Workers submit a tax return?
Yes, Sex Workers can file taxes and for many people there could be benefits for doing so. There are many government programs that are only available to people who file a tax return. Also, if you want to buy a car, home, or apply for a loan you will need to have an Income Tax Summery, which you will receive each year after you file your taxes.
Will Sex Workers face legal consequences if they file their taxes?
No, Canada Revenue is not concerned with the employment that generated income.(1) However, you could be charged with tax evasion if you do not file taxes and are caught having an income that you are not reporting to CRA. This could result in fines or even jail time. If you are working in an agency or massage parlor and you have a license CRA theoretically has access to the City of Calgary’s data base of people with adult services licenses. (2) If you are working for an agency or parlor that is giving you a paycheck and a T4 the income is being reported to CRA and it would be advantageous to prepare a return.
What are the benefits of filing your taxes?
In some cases you can use your business tools as a write off, such as vehicle, advertising, or computer. Just make sure that you keep your receipts.
If you have children you could apply to receive Universal Child Tax Benefits and also Alberta Child Tax Credit. You also will need to have your taxes completed if you were to decide to return to school and wanted to apply for Student Loans and Bursaries. Some community services are only available for people who have a tax summery, so it is good to have this available in the event you ever need to apply for assistance.
If you pay your taxes, you will be contributing to Canada Pension Plan and will be eligible to receive CPP. This will entitle you to receive financial assistance when you retire.
Where can I receive assistance for tax preparation?
The Shift program is able to provide assistance for people with basic tax returns. This includes people with T4s this may include people paid by an agency or massage parlor. We can also assist people currently receiving social assistance, or people with low income. If you are an independent worker it would be advisable to contact an accountant in order to maximize your possible business expenses and refund.
Sources:
Sex Professionals of Canada. Tax Return Information for Sex Workers retrieved 03/23/09. http://spoc.ca/resources.html
STAR: Sex Trade Advocacy and Referral. Money Matters. (September 2004) Retrieved 03/23/09 http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters_prnt.pdf
Yes, Sex Workers can file taxes and for many people there could be benefits for doing so. There are many government programs that are only available to people who file a tax return. Also, if you want to buy a car, home, or apply for a loan you will need to have an Income Tax Summery, which you will receive each year after you file your taxes.
Will Sex Workers face legal consequences if they file their taxes?
No, Canada Revenue is not concerned with the employment that generated income.(1) However, you could be charged with tax evasion if you do not file taxes and are caught having an income that you are not reporting to CRA. This could result in fines or even jail time. If you are working in an agency or massage parlor and you have a license CRA theoretically has access to the City of Calgary’s data base of people with adult services licenses. (2) If you are working for an agency or parlor that is giving you a paycheck and a T4 the income is being reported to CRA and it would be advantageous to prepare a return.
What are the benefits of filing your taxes?
In some cases you can use your business tools as a write off, such as vehicle, advertising, or computer. Just make sure that you keep your receipts.
If you have children you could apply to receive Universal Child Tax Benefits and also Alberta Child Tax Credit. You also will need to have your taxes completed if you were to decide to return to school and wanted to apply for Student Loans and Bursaries. Some community services are only available for people who have a tax summery, so it is good to have this available in the event you ever need to apply for assistance.
If you pay your taxes, you will be contributing to Canada Pension Plan and will be eligible to receive CPP. This will entitle you to receive financial assistance when you retire.
Where can I receive assistance for tax preparation?
The Shift program is able to provide assistance for people with basic tax returns. This includes people with T4s this may include people paid by an agency or massage parlor. We can also assist people currently receiving social assistance, or people with low income. If you are an independent worker it would be advisable to contact an accountant in order to maximize your possible business expenses and refund.
Sources:
Sex Professionals of Canada. Tax Return Information for Sex Workers retrieved 03/23/09. http://spoc.ca/resources.html
STAR: Sex Trade Advocacy and Referral. Money Matters. (September 2004) Retrieved 03/23/09 http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters_prnt.pdf
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