Human trafficking fight gets boost from province

By Mark Ribble

REGIONAL — The provincial government tabbed $307 million last March to help in the fight against human trafficking, and a local panel got together last week with Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa McLeod.

The provincial conservatives, led by Premier Doug Ford, have proposed tough new legislation and amendments to existing laws to give local law enforcement the help they need in the fight.

“The proximity to the 401 corridor lends itself to the rise of human trafficking,” said McLeod. “This is Ontario’s dirty little secret.”

Human traffickers use the 401 as a means to transport their victims back and forth between cities and McLeod says that almost every hotel in Ontario has unknowingly hosted these criminals.

“We want to provide law enforcement with more tools,” she added. “Ontario accounted for 55 per cent of all human trafficking cases in Canada in 2019.”

Chatham-Kent Police Services Constable Meredith Rota, echoed McLeod’s stance.

“Trafficking victims are being moved up and down the 401 every single day, and most of them pass through Chatham-Kent,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is turning these victims into survivors.”

The new legislation will give police opportunities to look at hotel registers if they believe a trafficking situation is involved.

They want to get the word out to the public that they also need their help.

“If you have a concern, please call us,” said Chatham-Kent Victims Services representative, Kate De Forno. “We need everybody in the community looking at this and looking out for our vulnerable women.”

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls agreed that it’s a community responsibility.

“This is modern day slavery,” he said. “I appreciate the support of Chatham-Kent Victim Services, Chatham-Kent Police and OPP, who are so willing to get the word out.”

Most often, girls as young as 13-years-old, are pulled into trafficking situations.

Sometimes, it’s someone they know, but often, it’s someone who goes around looking for a prime victim. They are sometimes supplied with drugs and alcohol, which develops a dependence on their captors.

Rota wants you to err on the side of caution and contact authorities if you see something untoward.

“If you feel something isn’t right, it’s not right,” she said. “Make the call.”

You can reach Chatham-Kent Police at 519- 436-6600, local OPP at 519-326-2544 or dial 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency or unsafe situation. You can also call Chatham-Kent Victims Services at 519-436-6630 to report a situation you believe is suspicious.