(file photo/The Canadian Press)

By Charlene Tebbutt

Prostitution

P.A. Mayor concerned about prostitution, gangs

Mar 26, 2019 | 5:46 PM

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne wants to know what’s being done to curb prostitution in the city, saying gang activity is behind the number of young girls selling themselves on the street.

At a board of police commissioners meeting earlier this week, Dionne asked the Prince Albert Police Service to bring back a report on the issue. He wants to know what can be done to curb prostitution in the city, including whether more can done to target johns, or those who buy sex.

“I’m tired of the gangs and the drugs and the killings that are going on,” Dionne told the board Monday.

After the meeting, Dionne said he’s noticed a spike in the number of young girls on the street.

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“My biggest driving force to go after them is of course, they’re gang related and we have no room for gangs in the city of P.A.,” Dionne added. “One of their forms of funding, unfortunately, is prostitution.”

Prince Albert Police Chief Jonathan Bergen said the organization will look to other neighbouring police services and efforts across the country before bringing a report back to the board in April.

“When we look at prostitution, there’s always more that can be done,” he said.

The federal government revised Canada’s prostitution laws in 2014 to make it illegal to buy or advertise sexual services. The government says the new laws are intended to reduce both the purchase and sale of sex, adding that the majority of people who sell sexual services from marginalized groups, including Aboriginal women and girls.

The new laws do not criminalize the sale of sexual services, although it is still illegal to discuss services in public areas that are near school or playgrounds, or daycare centres.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt