Saskatchewan wants to crack down on child prostitution

REGINA — Saskatchewan wants to get tough on people who sexually abuse children — specifically johns who pick up child prostitutes.

80% of child prostitutes are aboriginal A government committee has come out with a report that estimates there are more than 600 children involved in prostitution in Regina and Saskatoon. And 80 per cent of them are aboriginal.

"The bulk of the abusers are white males who have the financial resources available to them," said Peter Prebble, co-chair of the committee.

New laws could give police the power to seize cars belonging to johns. Alberta and Manitoba have legislation allowing that.

The report cited poverty, family abuse and drug addiction as reasons for children walking the streets. "We need to create a culture … (where it) is simply not tolerated for a man to solicit sexual contact with a child," said Prebble. "This is child abuse."

The committee will make final recommendations in December.