Ottawa appeals prostitution ruling

The federal and Ontario governments say they will appeal a controversial court judgment that struck down Canada's prostitution laws.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that prostitution “harms individuals and communities.”

“That is why I am pleased to indicate to the House that the government will appeal and will seek a stay of that decision.”

Ontario Attorney-General Chris Bentley quickly followed suit, saying the province will join in the appeal to the province's top court.

Mr. Bentley said the laws “protect people from being lured or coerced into prostitution, they protect people from being under domination of those who would prey, and they protect communities from the adverse effects of prostitution-related activities.”

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Conrad Black drops bid to return to Canada

Theresa Tedesco, Chief Business Correspondent, Financial Post · Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Conrad Black leaves the Dirksen Federal Building following a hearing detailing the terms of his bail July 23, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

Conrad Black has withdrawn his request to return to Canada while a U.S. appeals court reviews his fraud convictions, sources say.

Lawyers for the 65-year-old former newspaper baron, who was released on bail two weeks ago, have notified U.S. Federal District Court Judge Amy St. Eve that Lord Black will not be filing additional disclosure about his finances as a pre-condition before she would entertain his request to return to his Toronto home.

Sources say Lord Black, who is said to have renewed his expired British passport and is visiting New York, is not yet prepared to file a sworn affidavit providing a complete accounting of his financial affairs.

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