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A training program in Saskatchewan is aimed at helping hospitality workers across the province identify and respond to cases of human trafficking.
On Friday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a commitment of $115,000 through a federal action plan to support Hospitality Saskatchewan’s industry-wide training program for workers in hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourism industries.
Read more:
- ‘In our backyard:’ Sask. advocate says human trafficking more common than it appears
- Former MLA says he ‘clandestinely’ gave note to woman in alleged trafficking case
- Human Trafficking Summit receives funding from Gov. of Sask.
Jim Bence, Hospitality Saskatchewan’s CEO, said human traffickers often make use of the services the hospitality sector provides, so it’s important for workers to be able to spot red flags and warning signs.
“This horrific crime occurs throughout the country, including right here in Saskatchewan, in hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, with transactions happening in bars, pubs, lounges and restaurants,” Jim Bence, CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, said in a statement.
“With this funding we are now able to provide invaluable training to those front-line workers who are best positioned to recognize, report and combat this insidious crime.”
Alana Ross, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for the status of women, said the training is a practical step that can help prevent trafficking and protect people at risk of victimization.
“This investment helps workers recognize the warning signs, take action and connect people to support, making communities across Saskatchewan safer,” Ross said in a statement.
Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s justice minister, said the move “will empower people to identify and respond to this serious issue, and support our ongoing work as a province to protect communities, support victims and survivors, and foster meaningful change.”
The funding is coming through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a federal program. Rechie Valdez, Canada’s secretary of state for small business and tourism, said human trafficking is “a grave violation of human rights” that affects people across the nation.
“By working with provincial and community partners, including those in the hospitality industry, we are strengthening efforts to prevent violence, protect those at risk, and support safer, stronger communities across the country,” Valdez said in a statement.
