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For the complete text of these ''Criminal Code'' and ''Immigration and Refugee Protection Act'' sections, visit [http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng laws.justice.gc.ca].
In 2012, Canada created the ''[http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/ntnl-ctn-pln-cmbt/index-eng.aspx National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking]'' . This plan commits committed $25 million over four years to strengthen Canada’s Canada's efforts to prevent, detect and prosecute human trafficking as well as assist trafficked persons. A Human Trafficking Task Force led by Public Safety Canada has been established.
For more information visit [http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/hmn-trffckng/index-eng.aspx www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/hmn-trffckng/index-eng.aspx].
BC's Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons (OCTIP) is responsible for the overall coordination of the provincial strategy to address human trafficking. Fighting human trafficking requires a multidisciplinary response involving participation from all levels of government. The OCTIP works with both federal and provincial governments, law enforcement, academic organizations and community agencies.
[[File:BC Action Plan-Wikibook.jpg| link= ]]
*Support support communities in building local capacity to address human trafficking – — from prevention to service provision,*Raise raise awareness and provide training and education,*Identify identify gaps and barriers in services, policies and legislation that impede trafficked persons’ persons' internationally-protected human rights, and *Contribute contribute to national and international efforts to combat human trafficking.
British Columbia has a ''[http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/octip/docs/action-plan.pdf BC Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking ]'' which lays out three key priorities and five priority action areas for responding to human trafficking issues across the province for the years 2013-2016.
There are many challenges for law enforcement, for example:
*The international nature of trafficking – — countries have different laws and the authorities in source countries may be involved in crime.*The hidden nature of trafficking and its connection to organized crime.*Trafficked people are frequently moved to different locations.*Trafficked people fear the police and immigration authorities and are afraid to testify against traffickers.*Trafficked people may not see themselves as victims of crime.
Community -based agencies are enhancing their knowledge to extend support services to emerging trafficked persons. Faith -based organizations are also contributing efforts to eliminate human trafficking by raising awareness of the issues within their congregation and community.
Key services a trafficked person may require include:
* housing,* medical and psychological care,
* counselling and information in a language understood by the trafficked person,
* material help such as clothing and food,
* employment and education opportunities,
* legal assistance, and
* help to connect to police and government agencies.
The ''Trafficking in Persons Protocol '' also requires countries to consider adopting laws that allow trafficked persons to remain in the receiving country, temporarily or permanently. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The process starts with an interview with an immigration officer. At this point, the trafficked person does not have to prove that they have been trafficked, only that there is a possibility. The trafficked person is not required to help in any criminal investigation or to testify against their trafficker.
If the immigration officer believes a person may have been trafficked, they can issue a TRP. This gives the person legal status in Canada for up to 180 days. The permit can be re-issued at the end of the 180-day period by the CIC officer based on the trafficked person’s person's situation. The trafficked person will have access to health care and counselling and they may also apply for a work permit.
For more information on the TRP see [http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/octiptraining/ Human Trafficking - : Canada is Not Immune: , Module 4. The web address is provided in the resource section of this Wikibook].
Keep in mind the following principles when applying a human rights approach to providing services:
* Help the trafficked person work with police if they choose to do so.
A complete list of guiding principles is available at [http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/octip/training.htm octiptraining www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/octip/training.htmoctiptraining].
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2014}}