Alberta’s government is taking action to combat human trafficking with the launch of a $5.5 million Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant program, aimed at prevention, protection, and empowering survivors.
The initiative focuses on addressing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in the province while fostering social justice and economic stability.
“Human trafficking is a serious and often hidden crime that devastates lives and communities,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
“This funding will empower community-based organizations to provide specialized services that protect vulnerable individuals and break the cycle of exploitation.”
Paul Brandt, founder of #NotInMyCity and co-chair of the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons, praised the government’s effort, calling human trafficking “a vile attack on human dignity.”
Brandt, a country music sensation, has personally worked alongside law enforcement in undercover operations to free victims from human trafficking.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) union president Mark Weber this week disclosed extremely weak border infrastructure, to the extent that less than 1% of imports are searched — and nothing coming in by train is searched.
This includes both “products or people” can be trafficked across the Canadian border.
Ellis in response to a question from the Western Standard on the matter said “the statistics are extremely concerning, quite frankly.”
“But this is why we're not sitting idly by,” he said, referencing the Alberta government’s announcement on Thursday about increasing measures to deal with the border.
Ellis said the Alberta government “certainly encourages the federal government to let us know what your plan is.”
He added he has had conversations with the CBSA and the RCMP about this issue, and “felt as though the augmenting and supporting and assistance that we will be able to provide them was welcome.”
With sentencing under the Criminal Code ranging from four years to life in prison, when asked what deterrents are put in place to stop traffickers who enter knowing vessels aren’t searched, Ellis condemned the “soft on crime policies that were put forward” by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government.
“(They) have not worked,” Ellis told the Western Standard.
“We have seen organized crime, not only in this province, but throughout Canada, be able to thrive in an environment with little to no consequences.”
“This is why we're seeing not small gangs — we are seeing large cartels, international cartels that are setting up shop, not just here in Alberta, but right throughout Canada.”
“This is why we continue to support our Alberta law enforcement response team and that coordinated effort. This is why we are doing what we can to secure the border.”
“There has to be consequences for your actions, and I would argue and welcome, quite frankly, any changes to the Criminal Code that would add a bit of a deterrent, especially people who are smuggling humans and taking advantage of, typically, young people or vulnerable people, that there should be consequences for their actions.”
Brandt added he has personally spoken to and worked with survivors of human trafficking, and the damage that has come from it.
“We’ve got to do better for victims of this crime who are bearing the consequences of lifelong trauma as a result of people using force, fraud and coercion for profit in Canada,” Brandt told the Western Standard.
“I think that through working together and working together with law enforcement, frontline agencies across jurisdictions and across provincial borders, and also the border in the south, is very important.”
Brandt said 25% of “trafficking inflows in North America are cross border trafficking situations.” The average age of trafficking victims is 13 years old.
He added that in the last two months, four victims were rescued from trafficking at the airport.
"Traffickers are often moved from eastern Canada into Alberta, because often they can make more money with victims in Alberta, and there are predictable routes," said Brandt.
He said law enforcement are aware "victims are being moved by traffickers, and we know the roads now, it's about creating that rapid community response."
"Recently here in Alberta, through our partners at he Calgary International Airport, we've been able to intervene and work with and support human trafficking victims and get them back, connected with their families again," said Brandt.
The grant will fund projects that:
Prevent trafficking through awareness campaigns and community collaboration.
Protect victims by offering emergency aid and assistance with legal and health-care systems.
Empower survivors via skill development, peer support networks, and advocacy initiatives.
Priority will be given to projects led by indigenous communities, as well as initiatives that involve individuals with lived experiences of trafficking.
“Human trafficking remains a critical issue across Indigenous communities,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
“We must work together to ensure every individual, regardless of their background, can live free from exploitation and fear.”
The grant program was developed in consultation with the Alberta Centre to End Human Trafficking and survivors. Applications for the grant are open to registered not-for-profits, Indigenous communities, and coalitions in Alberta until January 20.