The Elizabeth Fry Society is working to shed light on the issue of human trafficking in the north.
Coordinator Carolyn Emon says the society and community agencies have identified many victims in Prince George itself…
“We have people who have been identified through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, international students who’ve been forced to work in exploitative situations, and also women who have come over as international brides.”
Labour trafficking can include harbouring workers or forcing them to work excessive hours for little to no pay in dangerous conditions.
the society has a board including first responders, caregivers, the Chamber of Commerce, and City representation working together on the issue.
The group proclaimed July to be Human Trafficking Awareness month, and BC Transit began running a series of bus ads highlighting the issue earlier this year.
Many of the ads focused on the situations of children, which ties into the key for Emon: prevention.
“We want to raise awareness with the community at large, as well as really focusing on youth. They’re the most vulnerable, and they need to know what they can do to prevent themselves from being victimized by trafficking.
A group of representatives from the society will meet with City Council tomorrow night.