The federal justice minister says he has asked a U.S.-based online advertising service to pull its Canadian notices for erotic services.

Rob Nicholson 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.