Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence Society v. Attorney General, CA No. CA036762 (to be heard January 21-22, 2010)
The plaintiffs, the Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence Society and Ms. Sheryl Kiselbach, applied for a declaration that various sections of the Criminal Code of Canada dealing with prostitution violate ss. 2(b), 2(d), 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Before the matter was heard, the defendant, the Attorney General of Canada, successfully brought an application to dismiss the action on the basis that the plaintiffs lacked private or public interest standing. The plaintiffs have appealed this judgment.
Maia Tsurumi of Fasken Martineau is part of the team of lawyers representing the plaintiffs.