Commodification of Sexual Activity

Commodification of Sexual Activity, under Section 286.1 of the Criminal Code, involves obtaining or negotiating sexual services for payment. It is a hybrid offence, with more serious penalties where the offence involves a person under 18, including a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a minimum penalty of 6 months in certain circumstances.

Commodification of Sexual Activity, as defined in section 286.1 of the Criminal Code, occurs when someone obtains for consideration, or communicates with anyone for the purpose of obtaining for consideration, sexual services.

Commodification of Sexual Activity is a hybrid offence. This means that the Crown can choose to proceed with the charge either by indictment or by summary conviction. If convicted of an indictable offence, you may face more severe penalties than if sentenced following a summary conviction.

If the individual obtains for consideration, or communicates with anyone for the purpose of obtaining for consideration, the sexual services of a person under the age of 18 years, the offence is a straight indictable offence with a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a minimum penalty of six months.