Government of Canada partners with Crime Stoppers to increase public awareness of human trafficking

Vancouver, January 15, 2009 — The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today announced a partnership between the Department of Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association to better inform the public about human trafficking through a national awareness campaign.

This campaign will serve to inform the public of the potential danger of human trafficking, help the public identify suspected occurrences, and provide information on how to report suspected cases. Through this partnership, the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association will use its national tipline as a central point for the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking.

“The Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking, both at home and abroad,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our commitment is reflected in Canada’s progress on a number of recent initiatives, including this partnership with Canadian Crime Stoppers, an organization that has proven itself as a valuable crime-fighting tool.”

“The Canadian Crime Stoppers is proud to have been chosen to partner with Public Safety Canada and the RCMP in the fight against human trafficking,” said Ralph Page, Canadian Crime Stoppers Chair. “Crime Stoppers programs across Canada are committed to supplying information to the public about human trafficking and providing a service that allows people to anonymously report this crime in their community.”

“The RCMP takes the issue of human trafficking very seriously. This modern-day form of slavery tends to be clandestine in nature, so it can be difficult for law enforcement to identify both the victims and traffickers,” said RCMP Supt. Bill Ard, Officer in Charge, Border Integrity Program. “This new partnership with Crime Stoppers will allow the public to provide critical assistance to law enforcement by providing the means for anonymous reporting of suspected human trafficking activities.”

The Government of Canada recognizes that prevention and awareness are critical in combating human trafficking. As part of its overall strategy around trafficking, this Government continues to lead, support and implement numerous initiatives, domestically and abroad. Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking are guided by the internationally recognized framework known as the 4P’s: preventing trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders and building partnerships domestically and internationally.

To learn more about the Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fs-sv/tp/links-liens.html.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657