CHAT News File Photo

By Jayson Taylor

Alberta government to invest $4 million to fight human trafficking

Jul 28, 2023 | 2:40 PM

EDMONTON – The Alberta government announced on Friday that they are partnering with three community organizations and investing $4 million to create the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Between 2011 and 2021, more than 3,500 incidents of human trafficking were reported across Canada and many more incidents go unreported, often due to fear among victims and survivors.

To fight against human trafficking, Alberta’s government developed the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force, which submitted its final report in August of 2021. The report has five primary recommendations for government to assist in combatting human trafficking. The first of these is to create an Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which will facilitate the implementation of the remaining recommendations. Alberta’s government has committed $4 million over two years to make this office a reality.

“We can’t afford to close our eyes to the problem of human trafficking. And we can’t afford to ignore those who are at risk of being trafficked or those who have been trafficked. I’m proud that our government is creating this Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons to keep fighting this scourge on society,” Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement on Friday.

The government will work in partnership with #NotInMyCity, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities. The office will connect survivors and victims of human trafficking to important supports and services.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on in Medicine Hat and area this weekend: Sept. 6-8

Sep 06, 2024

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in September

Sep 03, 2024

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend: Labour Day 2024

Aug 30, 2024

The office will also enhance public awareness and establish a more effective data collection process. This data will monitor the effectiveness of service delivery and help close gaps in tracking cross-jurisdictional trafficking incidents.

“The first step to fighting human trafficking is to raise awareness of the issue and its presence right here in Alberta. We are grateful to have strong partnerships with organizations that have proven to be effective in this, along with directly supporting survivors and victims. Every investment made into the combating of human trafficking is helping restore the humanity and freedom that every individual deserves,” Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis stated.

With community partners now selected, work is underway to create the office. Progress updates will be shared in the coming months.