Human trafficking isn’t a far removed issue it’s happening right here. The Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta say it is the number two most profitable illicit activity after drug trafficking and it is the fastest growing crime worldwide. Crime Prevention’s Public Education Coordinator Cheryl George says it’s a human rights issue that they want to raise awareness about.
“This doesn’t just happen in the big cities or in the U.S. or overseas. It can happen anywhere and it is happening in Alberta.”
George was surprised herself when she started to learn about the issue and expects an upcoming ACT information session to contain a lot of valuable information. She says often times when people think of human trafficking they think of it in relation to prostitution but that’s not always the case.
“A lot of times people don’t even know that it’s happening. It could be the nanny next door. It could be the man serving coffee if your favourite cafe or the woman at the massage parlour, a legitimate massage parlour. They could all be victims of human trafficking.”
ACT Alberta works collaboratively with law enforcement and support organizations to identify and respond to the issue of human trafficking around the province. They will make a public presentation Tuesday at Crime Prevention’s Lunch and Learn series which the public is welcome to attend, registration is recommended. ACT will also present to local agencies and law enforcement Tuesday evening.