The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced new legislation aiming at combating human trafficking by strengthening reporting requirements for the hospitality sector, expanding police investigative powers and improving protections for victims. The changes would require hotel operators, online accommodation platforms and driver-for-hire services to report suspected human trafficking to police. “Our government is committed to continuing to do whatever we can to provide the tools necessary to make Saskatchewan safer for all of its residents and in this case particularly vulnerable individuals who may be susceptible to human trafficking,” Minister of Justice Tim McLeod told reporters Monday. The obligation to report will also extend to activity observed by ride share drivers. The hospitality industry welcomes the proposed law that comes with fines for noncompliance. “This type of amendment allows us an opportunity now to be able to work closer with law enforcement so we feel that we’re more able to respond to their requests and be able to give the information that they desperately need as they investigate this crime,” noted Hospitality Saskatchewan CEO Jim Bence. Human trafficking is often hard to detect and remains widely unreported according to organizations working to combat the issue such as Hope Restored Canada. “This makes it so much easier for people to be able to leave the precarious situations that they’re in so by again having other people on the ground to say ‘I suspect that something’s happening,’ it might actually change the trajectory of someone’s life,” Hope Restored Canada executive director Kendra Mazer explained. Saskatchewan’s hospitality industry has a human trafficking awareness education program in place. Many major corporate players also have mandatory training for employees. The new legislation will further stress the importance of compliance.
