Vancouver Council Rejects Bid to Restore Dedicated Sex-Worker Safety Role

Vancouver votes against motion seeking to restore sex-worker safety support – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)

Vancouver – City councillors have turned down a proposal to bring back a full-time position focused on sex-worker safety, despite warnings that recent cuts have reduced available support just as the city prepares to host events tied to the 2026 World Cup. The 5-4 vote followed an emotional public hearing where advocates described rising risks and urged councillors to reverse part of a broader restructuring effort. The decision leaves only one remaining staff member in the role that was created more than a decade ago.

Details of the Council Decision

Councillor Pete Fry introduced the motion after learning that one of two dedicated safety planner positions had been eliminated during recent budget adjustments. He argued that the single remaining role could not adequately address the needs of a vulnerable population facing documented increases in violence. The majority ABC caucus responded with an amendment that removed the requirement to restore the position, effectively ending the debate. The amendment passed along party lines, with supporters saying existing city departments already handle safety issues through coordinated efforts. Opponents described the change as a step backward that ignores specific expertise built over years. The vote came after several hours of testimony from academics, service providers, and individuals directly involved in sex work.

Warnings About Safety Gaps

Advocates told councillors that reports of violence linked to sex work reached record levels in the past year. They noted that the eliminated position had provided direct outreach, safety planning, and connections to services that police and other agencies cannot fully replicate. Without it, they said, fewer options exist for people seeking help before or after incidents occur. Councillor Lucy Maloney, who supported the original motion, expressed frustration that funding had been found for a large fireworks display while a modest staffing request was denied. She said the testimony presented at the meeting made clear the daily challenges faced by sex workers and the value of specialized support.

Arguments Presented by the Majority

Councillor Lisa Dominato, who moved the successful amendment, acknowledged community concerns but maintained that safety work should be integrated across multiple departments rather than concentrated in one role. She pointed to recent efforts by the Vancouver Police Department to prioritize sex-worker protection and said a siloed approach was no longer necessary. Other ABC councillors echoed that existing staff possess the capacity to maintain current levels of support. They described the original two-position model as outdated and said broader departmental responsibility would produce more consistent results across the city.

Origins of the Safety Program

The dedicated positions date back to 2013, when Vancouver became one of the first North American cities to create them following recommendations from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. That inquiry examined systemic shortcomings that contributed to the disappearances and deaths of numerous women, many of whom had been involved in sex work. The roles were intended to address those gaps through ongoing prevention and support work. With the program now reduced, attention has turned to how the city will monitor outcomes and whether additional adjustments will be needed before major international events draw larger crowds to Vancouver.