Alberta announces $20.8M to fight human trafficking
Alberta is committing $20.8 million over the next four years to fight human trafficking.
The funding will be used to implement the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force’s five recomendations to stop the exploitation of victims at the hands of traffickers.
“Too often we think of human trafficking as something that happens in the developing world, places different from here,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “The reality is that this scourge of modern slavery happens right here in our own backyard.”
Specifically, the funding will be used to:
- Create an Office to Combat Trafficking Persons and a centre of excellence for research and data collection.
- Create a grant for coordinated community support and Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate services.
- Create civilian positions through the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams to support victims and survivors of human trafficking through the investigation process.
- Implement other task force recommendations.
“Today’s announcement from the Government of Alberta comes at a time when human trafficking is now one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada,” said taskforce chair Paul Brandt. “From the standpoint of prevention and for survivors, this $20.8 million and the acceptance of these Alberta taskforce recommendations come not a moment too soon.”
According to the government, police services in Canada reported 2,977 incidents of human trafficking between 2010 and 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.