Ontario plans to give police more power to access information in human trafficking investigations.
Legislation tabled on Monday, which was Human Trafficking Awareness Day, would allow officers to ask hotels to share information about guests if they believe it could help locate, identify or protect a suspected human trafficking victim.
It’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Raising awareness is the first line of defence in fighting #humantrafficking. Please join us so we can prevent this crime and help survivors get the supports they need. https://t.co/HS1yapfnhH #KnowHumanTrafficking pic.twitter.com/Lo4n0764Yk
— AntiHumanTrafficking (@StopTrafficking) February 22, 2021
If passed, the bill would also require companies that sell sexual services to publish their contact information and respond to law enforcement within a set time frame.
Failing to comply with the rules or making false statements would carry penalties.
The legislation would also increase penalties for those involved in human trafficking cases that interfere with a child in protective custody.
Premier Doug Ford says his province has become a “hub” for human trafficking and the legislation is desperately needed.
