A recent trend has saw #SaveOurChildren plastered over social media in an attempt to bring the horrors of human trafficking into the spotlight. The trendy hashtag may be recent, but it is a problem that has unfortunately existed throughout time. Alberta recently passed a bill regarding the topic, and Saskatchewan is working to develop their new provincial legislation to prevent human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is an issue of increasing concern across Canada,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “I have asked officials within the Ministry of Justice to review the bill recently passed in Alberta with a mind to developing similar legislation here in Saskatchewan.”

The legislation passed in Alberta significantly enhances the legal options available to victims. Law enforcement powers to prevent and respond to human trafficking will be provided, in addition to those provided in the Criminal Code.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that can be challenging for the justice system to respond to as it ruins the lives of victims and their families,” Morgan said. “As we explore how this type of legislation can be passed in Saskatchewan, we will be taking the complex nature of human trafficking crime into account to ensure we can effectively address these challenges.”

The government will be working closely with legal professionals, the police, as well as the community to identify opportunities and key issues that need to be taken into consideration in any future legislation.