Human Trafficking: Danielle Smith and the UCP Take a Stand
Canadians often discuss slavery as a thing of the past, an issue that has been eradicated. However, the reality is far from it. According to the Global Slavery Index, there are currently around 50 million individuals enslaved worldwide, with nearly 30 million victims trapped within human trafficking. These figures are only estimates and the actual number may be much higher.
Contrary to popular belief, human trafficking is not limited to distant lands but occurs everywhere, including Canada. Over the past decade, there have been over 3500 reported cases of human trafficking in the country, and this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Recognizing the gravity of this issue, Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party (UCP) in Alberta have dedicated $4 million to establish an office solely focused on combating human trafficking. I had the opportunity to speak with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about the reasons behind the creation of this office and the increasing exposure of human trafficking in both government efforts and popular culture, exemplified by films like “Sound of Freedom”.
During our conversation, I also asked Premier Smith about the connection between the establishment of the office and the decision to pause the transition of policing in Alberta from the RCMP to a provincial authority. Additionally, I gave her the chance to address anyone involved in or benefiting from human trafficking in the province. Her response was a resounding, “not here”.
While the United Conservative Party has had its share of missteps, Danielle Smith and her government deserve recognition for their proactive approach to issues like addiction and human trafficking. In a time when moral clarity seems increasingly rare, Alberta is striving towards unambiguous moral good on these fronts.
Cities across Canada are experiencing decay, with rampant drug problems and inadequate law enforcement contributing to an alarming increase in human trafficking. It is clear that change is necessary.
Walking in downtown areas after dark has become a risky endeavor, as personal safety is no longer guaranteed. To learn more about the dire state of affairs in Canada and find examples of governments who are taking action, visit FixOurCities.com.
By shedding light on the issue of human trafficking and dedicating resources to combat it, Danielle Smith and the UCP are making a valuable contribution towards addressing this grievous violation of human rights.
Source link
