ESQUIMALT, B.C. - Justice Minister Peter MacKay says interest is immense from groups across Canada wanting to participate in the government's $20-million sex worker exit strategy.

He says the government is about to deliver funds to groups and organizations in the near future, but he did not provide the exact date.

MacKay says more groups than available money have applied to participate in the program that would help people get out of the sex trade.

He acknowledged previous concerns from sex workers, law enforcement and aboriginals leaders that the funding isn't enough to address the issue, but says it's the first time a federal government has attempted to fund this type of program.

The government's Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act makes it an offence to buy sexual services or communicate for that purpose and was created after the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada's prostitution laws.

MacKay was in Esquimalt, B.C., to announce $300,000 to fund a youth justice transition program for the Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria.