Age of Consent Chart
The following is a chart outlining the Age of Consent laws in Canada.
The basic age of consent is 16, however there are some additional exemptions and protections to be aware of. Close in age exemptions have been defined for youth ages 12 to 15 to reflect the realities of peer experimentation in adolescent development. The Age of Consent chart details the peer age ranges that youth can legally consent to engaging in sexual activity with.
Note that while youth CAN legally consent to sexual activity at these ages, they may not choose to; consent must still be freely given, engaged, informed, and specific each time. There are also protections in place where there is a relationship of power or authority over a youth under 18.
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