MINISTER OF JUSTICE INTRODUCES BILL TARGETTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Ottawa, May 12, 2005 – Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the tabling of amendments to the Criminal Code that would specifically prohibit trafficking in persons.

"Human trafficking is the new global slavery" said Minister Cotler. "It is a fundamental violation of the most fundamental of human rights and the fastest growing international criminal industry. The Criminal Code amendments tabled today" continued Minister Cotler "underscore the Government's commitment to protect the most vulnerable amongst us from trafficking in persons; create new offences to specifically deter and denounce such conduct; and hold the perpetrators of such heinous conduct accountable. In a word, they are anchored in the three P's – prevention, protection and prosecution."

Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons in order to exploit them, usually in the sex industry, or for forced labour. The proposed amendments will:

• prohibit the trafficking in persons
• prohibit persons from benefiting economically from trafficking in persons
• prohibit the withholding or destroying of identity, immigration or travel documents to facilitate the trafficking of persons.

These new reforms, together with existing related offences in the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, will create a more comprehensive and effective legislative framework to combat trafficking in persons in all its forms.

The Bill fulfills one of this government's Speech from the Throne commitments. It is also part of a broader and on-going federal strategy and international efforts to combat human trafficking.

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Ref.:

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4207