Sexual Health

Consent

Understanding what sexual consent means is important before engaging in sexual activity.  You must give consent for sexual activity freely and you must be capable of consenting to sexual activity at that time.  Consent cannot be given by someone who:

• is incapable of consenting at that time (e.g., unconscious or intoxicated)
• feels their safety is threatened if they do not consent

You can withdraw consent to sexual activity at any time.

Age of consent to sexual activity

There is a minimum age of consent for sexual activity in Canada according to the law. Sexual activity includes any sexual behaviour from touching for a sexual purpose, such as kissing, to sexual intercourse.

Learn more about sexual consent and the age of consent to sexual activity in Canada