British Columbia has announced the creation of a new police unit to combat human trafficking.
The 12-person counter human trafficking unit will lead the provincial response to the issue via "intelligence, education, and investigation."
According to the government, funding for the CHTU will come from the $230 million Provincial police Service investment, which was set up to give the BC RCMP the ability to staff specialized units.
"The creation of this new unit marks a significant step forward in our government’s efforts to assist police in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking," Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger said, "while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable."
BC RCMP Chief Supt. Elija Rain pointed out that human trafficking is "a complex and often hidden crime that requires specialized skills and resources from police." He added that the creation of the CHTU "strengthens our overall response to human trafficking in every corner of BC."
In 2023, there were 43 reports of human trafficking made to police in BC, however authorities believe the actual number of incidents is likely much higher. More than $60 million is provided each year to support nearly 500 frontline victim service and violence against women programs in BC, which offer support to those impacted by such crimes.
"We know that human trafficking and gender-based violence are closely connected," Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Jennifer Blatherwick said. "Over 90% of police-reported human trafficking victims are women and girls, and one-third of them are trafficked by an intimate partner."
She added, that "indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people are at a higher risk, as are survivors of gender-based violence, which is why this new unit will support the important work underway as part of BC's gender-based violence action plan."
