Age

I was wondering if anyone knew if its illegal for a 17 year old and a 21 year old in Canada to have a sexual or non sexual relationship?

[AnnieBrooke]

From Wikipedia:  
The age of consent is uniform throughout Canada. Section 151 of the Criminal Code of Canada makes it a crime to touch, for a sexual purpose, any person under the age of 16 years. Section 153 then goes on to prohibit the sexual touching of a person under 18 by a person in three circumstances: if he or she is in a "position of trust or authority" towards the youth, if the youth is in a "relationship of dependency" with him or her, or if the relationship is "exploitative". The term "position of trust or authority" is not defined in the Code but the courts have ruled that parents, teachers, and medical professionals hold a position of trust or authority towards youth they care for or teach. For determining whether or not a relationship is "exploitative", s. 153 (1.2) of the Code provides that a judge can consider how old the youth is, the difference in ages between the partners, how the relationship evolved, and the degree of control or influence that the older partner has over the youth.

The "position of trust under 18" anti-exploitation rules were expanded in 2005 by Bill C-2 where a judge may choose to term a situation to be sexual exploitation based on the age of the younger party, age difference, evolution of the relationship (how it developed, e.g.: quickly and secretly over the Internet), the control or influence over the young person (degree of control or influence the other person had over the young person). This passed before the 2008 amendments, and they were not repealed so they are still in effect and can apply towards adults in these situations with young persons over the age of consent and under 18 (16-17).

[Mellisa95]

Thanks for explaining that to me, looks like we are all good!

[AnnieBrooke]

I guess it all depends on how the issue of 'exploitation' would be seen by a judge if there were ever a legal complaint about the relationship.

[Mellisa95]

Who can make legal complaints towards it?

[Nighthawk61]

Anyone could make a complaint, your family or a jealous x boyfriend.  You need to make sure yourself that you're not feeling exploited by your partner or in a relationship that is moving to quickly. That's the most important thing, to always protect yourself and be independent to make the right decision if it turns out to be unhealthy for you. Good luck Mellisa, if you ever need to talk just message anyone you feel comfortable with. Often times it make a lot of sense to have people around that you can talk to about your relationship, without judgement, being so young. Any one of use here would lend an ear.