New reports aim to curb human trafficking in Calgary
Posted Mar 23, 2012 1:45 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When you think of human trafficking, most picture a foreign locale, but many would be surprised to learn it’s happening in Calgary.
Forty four per cent of front line service agencies in Calgary report they have come into contact with a victim who has been exploited. That’s in a new report by the Action Coalition on human trafficking who is hoping it will spark the discussion of a disturbing trend in the city.
Authors reveal many foreign nationals and Canadians are being attracted to the province under false pretences and being exploited for financial gain.
There are some also being exploited sexually, although the research provides no quantitative numbers.
Author Lara Quarterman tells 660News one of the biggest issues is the threshold needed to be crossed in terms of it’s definition.
“If we want a case to get into the courts with a conviction made, we have to prove that someone hasn’t consented and someone is actually fearful,” she says.
RCMP Staff Sergeant Jim Gamlin says the only way we can combat this issue is through strong partnerships.
Gamlin told a crowd, the Mounties can no longer handle this on their own and admits they need help in ending the disturbing trend.
“When you deal with criminal elements, they’ll deal with anything that is there to exploit,” he says. “And in Alberta what’s there to exploit unfortunately is the massive labour market.”
The report shows no one in Alberta has technically been convicted of human trafficking but Gamlin adds that doesn’t include those suspects charged with another offence.
The coalition is calling for more training for agencies and the development of a local protocol to help victims.
Figures also show an identifiable gap in help for male victims of human trafficking. It adds those sent to Alberta for labour are typically male while those used for sexual exploitation are typically female.
