The mandatory minimum sentence for individuals who pay or seek sexual services from minors in exchange for money has been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada, overturning a previous ruling by the Quebec Court of Appeal.
This decision stemmed from a 2018 case involving Mario Denis, now 61, who was convicted of soliciting sexual services from a supposed 16-year-old escort after responding to fake online ads created by law enforcement.
Initially sentenced to a minimum term of six months, Denis challenged the constitutionality of the mandatory sentence. While the Quebec Court of Appeal initially deemed the minimum sentence unconstitutional, they maintained the six-month term for Denis.
In a 7-2 split decision, the Supreme Court concluded that the minimum sentence did not violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by being considered as cruel and unusual punishment.
Published by The Canadian Press on July 10, 2026.
