Young people have the right to provide informed consent when it comes to their sexual health. This means that youth can receive birth control and/or treatment for sexually transmitted diseases WITHOUT parental consent. The Health Unit offers sexual health clinics in all offices and some high schools. We provide sexual health counselling, birth control and sexually transmitted infection protection. These clinics are confidential. All clients are asked questions about their sexual health and the possibility of abuse. The age chart below indicates questions that are asked by nurses when interviewing younger clients to ensure that sexual activity has not been coerced. For more information see www.laws.justice.gc.ca/en/c-46.
| Age |
Consent to sexual activity? |
Age of partner |
| Less than 12 years |
Never |
|
12 years and
under 14 years |
BOTH must give consent.
Neither must be in a position of trust or authority i.e coach; babysitter etc. |
MAXIMUM 2 years difference
in age AND the older teenager is
UNDER 16 years |
14 years and
under 18 years |
YES
Unless one is in a position of trust or authority |
14 years and under 18 years |
