Vancouver councillors have voted against a motion to restore a sex-worker safety support position, drawing sharp criticism from advocates who warned that the cuts leave vulnerable individuals with fewer resources as the FIFA World Cup approaches.
Council Decision Sparks Disappointment
Councillor Pete Fry described the outcome as “incredibly disappointing,” highlighting the compelling testimony from women about their health and safety risks. The motion, which he introduced, sought to reinstate one of two dedicated sex-worker safety planner positions that were eliminated as part of broader cost-cutting measures under Mayor Ken Sim and the ABC-majority council.
“As Councillor Lucy Maloney pointed out, we have money for a $2 million free firework show, but when it comes to health and safety—and honestly, a very modest position, just one full-time staff role—there’s no money,” Fry said.
Advocates Sound Alarm Ahead of World Cup
Advocates had warned that the cuts would leave sex workers with fewer places to turn, especially with the FIFA World Cup expected to bring increased demand for services. During a council hearing on Wednesday, many impassioned pleas were made for the reinstatement of the position. However, ABC councillors voted in favor of a watered-down amendment that effectively gutted the original motion.
The ABC councillors expressed confidence that existing staff across various departments can ensure sex-worker safety without dedicated personnel for that specific role. Councillor Lisa Dominato, who moved the amendment, said significant work has been done by the Vancouver Police Department to prioritize the safety of sex workers.
“What I’ve heard very clearly are community concerns,” Dominato said. “But instead of having two sex-worker support staffers, there should be a focus on safety across multiple city departments. It shouldn’t be siloed; it should be a collective responsibility.”
Criticism of Priorities
Fry argued that the decision comes during a record year for reports of violence linked to sex work in Vancouver. He emphasized that the role of the sex-support worker is highly demanding and critical for protecting the community in ways that other departments, such as police, cannot.
Councillor Lucy Maloney, visibly upset, said, “I just sat through incredibly persuasive speeches by academics, people who represent sex workers, and sex workers themselves. This decision demonstrates clearly the priorities of the majority of ABC councillors.” She referenced the recent allocation of $2 million for a single night of fireworks as evidence of misplaced priorities.
History of the Program
The sex-worker safety planner roles were established in 2013, making Vancouver one of the first cities in North America to create positions dedicated to sex-worker safety. The program was a direct outcome of the 2012 Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, which examined systemic failures linked to the disappearance and murders of women, many of whom were involved in sex work.
Fry expressed frustration that the council did not heed the testimony. “This motion was always about giving voice to folks we don’t hear from, and learning the nature of contemporary sex work, its vulnerabilities, and the issues involved.”
With files from Sarah Grochowski and Dan Fumano.
