The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Trafficking Committee is hosting a Human Trafficking Workshop that will the examine the local, national and global aspects of the issue in St. John’s from Monday, November 3 to Wednesday, November 5 at the Capital Hotel.

“While not as large scale as other places, human trafficking does exist within our province,” says Wanda Burt, the division’s Anti-Trafficking Network representative. “The anticipated increase in wealth generated through the oil industry in the future will increase the probability of occurrences. This conference is a proactive way of educating citizens about the issue and training frontline workers to respond."

The Salvation Army Newfoundland East and Labrador Division is co-coordinating this workshop, working in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Criminal Intelligence Unit in Halifax as well as local community agencies. The workshop will provide participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, network, learn and work with non-governmental organizations and all three levels of government. Delegates from various agencies working with people who are (potentially) trafficked are expected from all around the province. The workshop will also be a venue of training for police and law enforcement officers.

Special guests for the conference include: Viktor Malarek (authour of “The Natashas”) who will give an overview of the global picture on human trafficking; Dr. Michael Smith, who will speak on recognizing and servicing victims of human trafficking; Ric Biensock, who will show her film “Sex Slaves”; Mac MacIver, Atlantic Region RCMP Human Trafficking Coordinator; and Dianna Bussey, chair of The Salvation Army’s Anti-Trafficking Network in Canada and Bermuda.

“Vulnerable children were sold for sex in Newfoundland and Labrador years ago,” says Dolly Sweetapple, divisional director for The Salvation Army’s Corrections & Justice Services, and one of the main organizers for this workshop. “This has happened, and does still happen, in Newfoundland. The training provided to police, community front-line workers and the community in general will provide a more effective service, within our province, to vulnerable victims."