OTTAWA - The federal justice minister says he will table legislation Thursday to boost penalties and close loopholes for sexual offences against children.
Rob Nicholson says the bill would create two new offences aimed at better protecting children from sexual predators, many of whom post graphic photos on the Internet.
Nicholson says he has also asked a U.S.-based online advertising service to pull its Canadian notices for erotic services.
The minister sent a letter to Craigslist this week, saying he's concerned the service encourages child exploitation and human trafficking.
Nicholson's move follows the lead of politicians from Manitoba and Ontario, who have also objected to the ads.
California-based Craigslist recently deleted the erotic services advertisements from its U.S. site.
Nicholson's letter to Craigslist chief executive Jim Buckmaster commends the company for the move but the minister says the problem is just as pressing in Canada.
