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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/cerb-sex-worker-access-1.5769650 Saskatchewan For Canadian sex workers, CERB was a lifeline — if they could get it Advocates say many in the sex industry, who work in a legal ‘grey area’, still do not file taxes out of fear Julia Peterson · CBC News · Posted: Oct 25, 2020 2:00 AM CT | Last Updated: 12 hours ago A 2016 Red Umbrella protest in Victoria called for changes to sex-work-related laws in Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates say sex workers' precarious legal status made it difficult for many to claim the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). (PEERS Victoria Resource Centre) As a sex worker, Melody Merlot started to worry about her livelihood even before COVID-19 arrived in Canada. Although the single mother of four lives in small-town Saskatchewan, her job had her regularly interacting with strangers, both from within Canada and from other parts of the world, and she did not want to risk bringing COVID-19 home to her children. Merlot — the name she uses for work, which CBC News agreed to use in this piece over concerns for her and her family's safety — decided to stop working in February, shortly before the provincial lockdown. "My last client … was a gentleman who was here from Iran," she said. "And it clicked that this guy was flying internationally, so now I'm in close contact with someone who was flying internationally. "And the day after that client, I decided that I wouldn't be seeing anyone anymore." Sex workers face challenges filing taxes Like many Canadians, Merlot's decision to mitigate risks and focus on her family's safety resulted in a steep loss of income. But because she pays taxes on her sex work income, she was eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and began claiming it in April. "I was really blessed and fortunate that I did not have to work as an escort through the pandemic," she said. "Having that extra two grand a month was really beneficial to help me not have to turn to survival sex work." It's a common misconception that Canadian sex workers cannot, or should not, file taxes on their income because their industry exists in what many consider to be a legal grey area, with fears over arrests and other reprisals despite prostitution itself no longer being illegal in the country. Current status of sex work laws in Canada The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (Bill C-36) criminalizes the purchasing of sex. But it is not illegal to sell sexual services in Canada. That said, the government has acknowledged "it is difficult to engage in prostitution without committing a criminal offence." It is illegal to financially benefit from the sale of someone else's sexual services or advertise someone else's sexual services. Under the act, sex workers are considered victims of sexual exploitation. The act, which went into effect in Dec. 2014, is due for its five-year review this year. "In fact, it's the opposite," explained Toronto-based tax lawyer and CPA David Rotfleisch. "They have to. They should, and they can get in trouble if they don't file their tax returns." The Canada Revenue Agency's policy is that even income from illegal activities is taxable. "Everybody, all Canadians, have to file taxes," said Rotfleisch. "Sex workers are not exceptional in that way. You have to file your taxes, I have to file my taxes, everyone has to contribute." Tax workshops for sex workers offered by Vancouver group But Merlot, who registered her work as a formal business after the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act came into force in 2014, said sex workers who want to file their taxes face a number of barriers. "A lot of sex workers don't realize that they can actually declare their income and write off their expenses and have a registered business and a GST number," she said. "And it's also really hard to find an accountant who is sex-worker-friendly and who will do your taxes appropriately and without judgment." CERB only available to those file a return This year, only those who were able to navigate the tax filing process had access to critical financial support. Valerie Scott, a Toronto-based sex worker and legal co-ordinator for advocacy group Sex Professionals of Canada, said the current legal status of Canadian sex workers makes it feel too risky for many in the industry to file taxes at all. "To be known as a sex worker, to file taxes as a sex worker, to have any information with the government in any form [is] exceedingly dangerous," she said. "There are so many ways we can get caught up. We're sitting ducks. A sex worker takes off her face mask at her home in Madrid in April, amid a national lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. Many sex workers felt they had to continue working during pandemic shutdowns, despite the risk to their health. (Oscar Del Pozo/AFP/Getty Images) "If you step to the right, you get arrested. If you step to the left, your children can be taken away. If you work at home, a neighbour with a grudge can call the snitch number. If you rent, they can inform your landlord, because you're allowing an illegal act to take place in your apartment." Privacy laws prohibit the CRA from sharing the information it collects, including with police, immigration or border agents. 'Twisting in the wind' Still, Scott believes the "grey area" legal status for sex workers and uncertainty about whether or not they should file taxes has forced many to choose between the risks of continuing to work or severe economic hardship during the pandemic. "I think Canada should decriminalize sex work, so even the sex workers working on the street who don't have bank accounts and have a chaotic lifestyle could qualify for help," Scott said. "[Instead], the government is leaving us twisting in the wind." Under Canadian law, it is legal to sell sexual services but illegal to buy sex. It's a grey area that makes some sex workers hesitant to file income tax returns. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press) A spokesperson for the federal justice minister said the government is examining whether the current sex work laws are meeting their objectives. "We continue to engage with individuals and groups affected by the former Bill C-36," Rachel Rappaport said. "We're also aware of the specific circumstances that they've shared with our government in light of the circumstances posed by the pandemic." I do this out of choice, and the CERB benefit allowed me to preserve the dignity of that choice.- Rowan Reid, sex worker She said the upcoming five-year review of prostitution laws will allow Parliament to "examine the full range of effects that this legislation has had since its coming into force." Rappaport said that to the best of her knowledge no parliamentary committee has begun the review process for the bill so far. 'I would have had to take great risks in order to survive' Rowan Reid, an Edmonton-based sex worker, worried about how she would cover her expenses after she decided to stop working in March. "It was nerve-racking, because CERB hadn't been conceived of at that point," she said. To pay rent and buy groceries in April, Reid relied on the Alberta government's one-time supplementary payment of $1,142 as well as a gift from a fellow sex worker in Toronto. Stop enforcing sex work laws during COVID-19, advocates say But as a taxpayer, she was relieved to find out more stable support was on its way when CERB was announced. "I do claim all my sex work income," she said. "I recommend all sex workers do it. I'm tired of the stereotypes that we don't." Without CERB, Reid said she would have had no choice but to keep working throughout the pandemic and might have had to compromise her standards for screening and interacting with potential clients. "I would have had to take great risks in order to survive," she said. "And it's nice to not feel pushed into being a sex worker. "I do this out of choice, and the CERB benefit allowed me to preserve the dignity of that choice, the dignity of autonomy, to not feel forced into sex work to make ends meet." Struggling without income Most of the sex workers Scott has spoken with through Sex Professionals of Canada were ineligible for CERB. This has had dire consequences for many in the industry. "We've received several calls from women crying because they've lost their apartments," she said. "They're terrified. They don't want to work during this pandemic, and they don't want to move into a shelter during a pandemic." Anne Margaret Deck, vice-chair of the board for sex workers' rights group Maggie's Toronto, said her organization has seen a similar situation unfolding. A downtown Toronto strip club is seen in September 2020. During the pandemic, some in the sex industry have been trying to transition to online work. (Colin Perkel/The Canadian Press) "Sex workers have informed us that since the beginning of the pandemic they have struggled to afford necessities, such as food, rent, medication and toiletries," she said. "Sex workers with dependents, with physical or mental disabilities, or with precarious housing or immigration status have experienced particular hardship." Marielle Hossack, a spokesperson for Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough, said the government is working on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations during this pandemic. "Our government has been providing special one-time payments to individuals eligible under existing programs, as well as investing in shelters, food banks, and community organizations," she said in an email. While some sex workers have moved to online work, that has become more difficult in recent years. "Many camming or chat platforms are increasingly hostile and unfair to sex workers, due in part to the SESTA/FOSTA legislation in the United States," Deck said. Intended to reduce sex trafficking, the 2018 laws make websites criminally responsible and legally liable for the content they host. Because of this, many websites that sex workers used to advertise their services, screen clients and warn others about bad or dangerous clients have been shut down worldwide. Working through the pandemic And it can be difficult for sex workers to find work in other industries. What I've found really surprising about this whole experience is that when you don't have to scramble to make ends meet, you can reset and go after the things you want.- Melody Merlot, sex worker "I have not heard of any sex workers transitioning from sex work to another industry during this pandemic," said Deck via email. "Transitioning from sex work to other kinds of employment (what is colloquially known in the sex work community as a 'vanilla' job) is difficult for sex workers to navigate even in 'normal' times for many reasons, negative stigma being one of the greatest." Pandemic forces shift in how Sage House helps women doing survival sex work Those who have continued to work in person throughout the pandemic, including Scott herself, say they are doing what they can for themselves, their clients and their contacts to mitigate the chances of contracting COVID-19, but it's an imperfect system. "Sex workers are pretty creative; we always have been," said Scott. "So when a client comes in, we keep track of every surface his hands have touched, and all the bedding and everything gets washed after each client. Some people are even wearing masks while they're having sex with each other. It's not terribly sexy, but it helps." CERB safety net is gone As CERB came to an end earlier this month, Reid went back to work. Although the case numbers in Alberta are increasing, she needs the income. Her final CERB payment will cover her rent and bills for October. "It's a little nerve-racking to know that the risk is increasing but there's no longer a safety net," she said. The rigorous screening requirements she has implemented for clients have not been well received across the board, so she is earning much less than usual and is worried about having to take even more risks this winter. AUDIO Sudbury, Ont., advocacy group offers financial relief to sex workers amid COVID-19 "It feels like I'm skating closer to the line of being a survival sex worker, which is a very uncomfortable feeling," she said. "It makes me feel like I don't have that choice — that autonomy — when what I love so much about sex work is that I'm in full control. I'm in control of who I see, I'm in control of my rate, I don't do a single bloody thing that I don't want to do." Merlot has not gone back to sex work. Instead, because of the other financial support she was able to access as a mature student and a single mother, she has been able to concentrate on her studies as a psychology major at the University of Saskatchewan. "I thank my lucky stars right now because just as CERB ended, my student funding came into play," she said. Looking back on what CERB meant for her and her family, Merlot wishes some kind of financial safety net could be available to more sex workers, and not just during times of crisis. "What I've found really surprising about this whole experience is that when you don't have to scramble to make ends meet, you can reset and go after the things you want." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julia Peterson Julia Peterson is a Saskatoon-based journalist with CBC Saskatchewan. She has a passion for arts journalism, science reporting, and social justice movements. Story ideas? Email [email protected].

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I am not here for a long time but a good time. Whether it be short and sweet or a long lasting connection. Lets fill a world of our own full of passion with respect in a safe, discreet, and unrushed environment. I do not indulge in a 'menu' upon first introductions. I love to sample, inquire and discover the pleasures we can share together in person. As we get to know each other, you will learn our enjoyment is limitless and ours to explore. I offer a little bit of everything and share everything with those that provide and afford me with their trust and safety. I greet you at the door with a hug and a kiss or two or three, I love kissing, as it melts our worries away. Have a small conversation about you and your day as you shed the days stresses. You go freshen up as I make myself comfortable. Or maybe you will indulge me with a shower for two. We share smiles and a few giggles as we get closer to a time only we will ever remember. I am an elite traveling companion looking to meet some remarkable people (gentlemen, ladies and LGBTQ friendly). I am smoke and party free, and expect you to be clean, drug and disease free as I am. This is a confidential, and discreet encounter that is held in respect. Rates are exchange for time and time only. Anything that happens within that time is mutually agreed upon as consenting adults. I look forward to seeing you, Stephanie ❤️ Check out my recommendations:

Thank you for sharing your story Deanna. I’m sure going from journeyman to the spa had a fair share of negativity, but I get a very positive vibe from reading this article seeing the support you received from family, friends and industry.

I'm not sure that my story fits but here I go. Back many years ago as a teenager I was off to pick up my date. We were headed to a party where the dirty was already planned out. I Went to her parents house to pick her up but she was not ready. So now I had to sit with Mom and Dad in the living room for about 10 minutes. My nerves got the best of me and it became necessary for me to use the bathroom. Not for a # 1 but I had to make a #2. Tried to do this really quick so that nobody but myself would know. Made the flush but to my surprise the toilet backed up. The water started rising and my #2 was spinning out of control. Over the edge and now water all over the floor. Panic started to set in and with Nowhere to run, I walked out and said to her Dad that the toilet was flooding. Dad goes into the bathroom to my spinning #2 and calls to Mom to get the plunger. My date came out of the other room so I grabbed her and out the door we went. She asked about the commotion but I tried to reassure her that all was OK. We went to the party but I couldn't bring myself to perform. I just wanted this night to be over. I never went back and never made any future plans with her. There has been some other funny and interesting stories but none that stand out in my mind like this one.

I have a lot of respect for SP's, they are self employed entrepreneur's. A common theme I read and hear is how people try to negotiate better rates. So let's explore this a bit mathematically. We'll work on the ideal premise of a 40 hour outcall only workweek, with two weeks off at Christmas and two in the summer. We'll also assume a $200/hour rate, and each month will incorporate a weeks (7 days) travel for work. 40x200x48= 384,000 Now let's let the government have their share of the pie, though they provide no support. (I'll use NS and 2020 as an example) remember self-employed so they cover both employee and employer costs. CPP 5796, EI 2055, Fed 102,357, Prov 70,148 = 180,364 384,000-180,364 = 203,636 Let's plan for when we retire, we'll contribute to TFSA's primarily and RRSP's (not going to count the tax effect). We'll go with the average public servant and contribute 10%. 203,636x.1 = 20,634 203,636-20,364 = 183,272 Sounds like a lot doesn't it. Let's take out the 12 weeks hotel and food. 70 for food and 150 for a decent hotel per day. Also a minimal 1000 each trip for travel costs. (70+150)x7x12 = 18,480+12,000 = 30,480 183,272 - 30,480 = 152,792 Let's take care of some basic SP business costs shall we. So we'll cover internet, cellphone, and transportation. We'll go with $100 as an average for Cellphone, $100 for reliable internet, a low ball $400 per month car payment, and we'll say about $20 dollars in gas a day. (5x4x20)+100+100+400 = 1000x12 = 12,000 152,792 - 12,000 = 140,792 So let's calculate the hourly take home and give our SP's a paid vacation as well. We started by calculating an 8 hour day, that's unrealistic so let's add in the travel and prep time between appointments. We'll figure that to prep and travel takes a minimum of an hour between appointments so their 8 hour day is essentially doubled. 140,792/(16x5x52) = 33.84 per hour That looks like a lot, but this is the ideal. I don't think anyone can meet this business model. This does not account for sick days, medical insurance, assumes full bookings, doesn't account for marketing costs, doesn't account for cancelled appointments, doesn't account for travel time, nor the prep time between appointments, clothing costs, hygiene costs. These others factors will drastically lower their wages. So when someone tries to lower their price it really isn't worth it for them. This Business model is unrealistic and idealist. I'd like to hear about unaccounted for factors. A more realistic idea of how many hours are booked a week on average. Monthly costs for clothing, make-up, hygiene, and safety (condoms, dental dams, birth control etc.)

He's 7 weeks old and I pick him up next weekend.

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Great thread! Big thing you missed, as being self employed we also pay hst on the amount brought in too. On top of income taxes. Bye bye 15% off the top. It's been something I have been having a conversation with clients about. I am still a 250/hr companion, but since I claim I have to pay hst on my services it's 287.50. I still need the 250 to cover expenses and my day to day stuff, so I rounded up to 300 and my accountant does the math from there. Generally marketing that way doesn't make sense to the masses. Thankfully we do have deductions like any other buisness. So things like makeup, rent, office supplies (condom, lube, ect), food, travel, marketing, car and such are able to be written off. Rough numbers from my tax stuff last year; Rent costs last year were 17000, travel costs were 20000, marketing was 6000 (marketing for Toronto is more than here). That was just a few numbers. By the time I finished paying taxes, had all my deductions, I had about 32000 left of what I made last year. Using your numbers @LifeLongJourney for a week's worth of work. That would bring me to 7.69/hour take home. I will say, I have always had a mind set of finding ways to write off things you are already paying for and have a goal. My end goal is to buy a property/house. I needed a track record of min. 2 years as a self employed person to get approved.

Thank you for your support Waterat and Sharpe. It has been a bit of a tough grind but then, I love to grind. I will never give up, I will never surrender. My clients love every moment they spend with me and experiencing my attentions. I appreciate all the support I receive from my all my friends in the industry including Lyla and all the members here. That support has given me the resolve to continue and bring my sweet flavour to the Edmonton scene. I hope to one day tour and bring my flavour to the rest of the world. I have many experiences to share and hopefully inspire others to embrace their aspirations. Be proud and strong and never fear change everybody. Embracing change can add a whole new sparkle to your life and keep you young and vibrant. It has done wonders for me over the last 20 years.

Deanna, thanks for sharing your story and your experiences in this industry. Having spent time working in the oil patch I have to admire your strength, tenacity and bravery in pursuing this new path in life. To quote someone I admire: "WORK IT GIRL".

..... well I'm sure we're all waiting - at least I know I am :)

Pics or it didn't happen

Thank you handsome! It was so good to see you after it being so long. I look forward to many more visits now that you are home for a while! 💖

Michelle visited me today - one of the better decisions I have made lately :) Michelle is beautiful and incredibly sexy - her bedroom eyes will pierce into you while she dazzles you with her sexy, devious little smile. She is extremely good with her hands - and if you enjoy a good tease you will enjoy her skills - her electric touch had me bouncing. She is very sensual and caring - you will be pampered and pleasured. I'm not sure how any of you would not have a good time with Michelle. From my perspective she is a total "5" (I would normally say "10" but the ratings are out of 5 on this site, lol). Thanks Michelle, you rock.

I had been trying to get in contact with her for quite some time but thankfully I was finally able to TOFTT. I dont want to give away the details during, but since meeting her a month ago I have repeated several times already. That should say enough as is. Lexy is one of those girls you see walking down the street and you are instantly drawn to them. She is absolutely drop dead gorgeous and a true spinner in every way. Keep in mind this is my personal experience with her. .. I could sit there for the entire time and just talk to her and that would be just as good as the finish line. If you can connect with her on that sort of level its a win in every single way. She is one of the most easy going, real, and just down to earth people I have met in my time in this side of life. Never once showed any interest in even glancing at the clock. She's that girl thats always been there flying under the radar amongst the masses of this side of the world. The quiet girl next door. Treat her right and she will return the favor! You will see exactly what I mean for yourselves. Lexy deserves the world and I hope this little insight starts helping her towards that.

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Also, do your own research and stop putting up LF calls. Just do your own homework like everyone else, its not rocket science.

You can't help yourself on any post let alone this one.

11 pm, November 30th.

Ok fine, I'm pretty hairy, let's go for dinner

Thank You So Much For Nominating Me September's Member Of The Month It Is Very Much Appreciated A Special Thank You Goes Out To Jessy Celeste Who Mentioned Me For September Member Of The Month ...Her Post And "Recommendation" Are Especially Appreciated A Humble But Appreciative Thank You To All (Bet You Thought I'd Say Rambling LOL) RG