moved for leave to introduce Bill C-408, an act to amend the Criminal Code (prostitution).
Mr. Speaker, constituents of mine are deeply concerned with the plaguing problem of street prostitution. They remember when the law was different and we did not have the pervasive street trade.
The way the criminal code now reads, public communication to obtain sexual services carries only a penalty of a summary conviction. In most cases the offender is given a summons like a traffic ticket which might result in a small fine.
The bill would amend section 213 of the criminal code making the penalty of communicating either an indictable offence or a summary conviction. It makes the section a hybrid or elective offence, in other words flexibility in the circumstances.
The amendment would give the system a procedural option, something the police have been asking for. I urge the minister and all members of the House to strongly consider this vital improvement for liveable communities.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)