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