Editor:
In the House of Commons, MP Joy Smith’s Bill C-310, an act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons) passed at third reading with unanimous consent.
Bill C-310 will not go to the senate for consideration.
Bill C-310 will have a significant impact on the anti-human trafficking efforts of Canada here at home as well as abroad. This legislation will place important legal tools into the hands of prosecutors and law enforcement. Bill C-310 will amend the Criminal Code by adding the current trafficking in persons offences (s.279.01, s.279.03) to the lists of offences. If committed outside of Canada by a Canadian or permanent resident, the crime could result in prosecution upon return to Canada. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery and is growing at an alarming rate in Canada. Canada is regarded as a source transit destination for victims of trafficking. Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, and harbouring of people for the purpose of exploitation through the use of force, coercion, fraud, deception, or threats against the victim or their loved ones.
Victims of human trafficking are forced into prostitution, labour, or some other form of servitude. It is a violation of human rights and is often referred to as modern-day slavery. Let’s pray that Bill C-310 will be passed quickly so that Canadians can get a clear message that what they do abroad is no longer acceptable and OK. Thank you to everyone who signed the petitions in town. Your signatures really do make a difference.
Dina Kennedy,
the Salvation Army
Williams Lake