Vancouver/CMEDIA: Efforts to combat human trafficking are being strengthened by the Province of British Columbia (BC) with the creation of a new, co-ordinated provincial response team.
July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has been designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.
$230 million has been provided by the province of BC to support the RCMP Provincial Police Service to hire 256 members over three years.
Having staffed Two hundred and twenty-five positions, actions for the remaining 31 positions are expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Enhancing of the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes would be done by the counter human trafficking unit (CHTU) while expanding support for victims and targeting organized crime networks operating in BC.
“Human trafficking occurs in all areas of our province…The creation of this new unit marks a significant step….in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable,” Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “
A 12-member team, the CHTU will lead the provincial response to the issue of human trafficking through intelligence, education and investigation.
“One incident of human trafficking is too many. This new 12-member unit will help our Province proactively…The B.C. RCMP is working hard to address these crimes and keep our communities safe,” Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre said.
Working with police departments and other agencies, the unit will provide increased training to officers and additional capacity in investigations and intelligence-gathering on cases throughout the province.
Helping to strengthen the response to these crimes, the unut will also promote experts in the field of human trafficking to support criminal prosecutions.
“Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime that requires specialized skills and resources from police…the creation of this dedicated team strengthens our overall response to human trafficking in every corner of B.C,” said Chief Supt. Elija Rain, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section.
Enabling the B.C. RCMP to hire officers in specialized units, such as the major crime section, the internet child exploitation unit and the BC Highway Patrol, funding would be available from the Province’s $230-million investment into the Provincial Police Service.
“It is an honour to work alongside the Province of British Columbia and this newly formed response team …Illuminate has worked closely with the RCMP Counter-Exploitation Unit for many years…to bring our expertise to the Counter Human Trafficking Unit for the support of survivors seeking safety and justice,” Jenea Gomez, director, Illuminate Anti-Human Trafficking Programs said.
A focus on enhancing community-led support for survivors, increasing community capacity to respond to human trafficking and enforcement efforts through police departments would be included in the Province’s broader response to human trafficking.
Over 475 front-line victim-service and violence against women programs in the province that offer emotional support, information, referrals and practical assistance to victims of violence, including victims of human trafficking are supported annually by more than $60 million. 70 new sexual-assault services and five sexual-assault centres to support victims of sexual violence in the province would also be included for the funding.
Being a serious violation of human rights, Human trafficking involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for profit.
With often hidden and complex nature, many human trafficking offences go undetected or unreported.
Human trafficking is significantly under-reported, experts note with only 43 incidents reported to police in B.C. in 2023, though the actual number may be higher.
