N.S. Leading The Nation In Human Trafficking Case Rates

Nova Scotia has the highest-rate of human trafficking cases in Canada.

According to a 2019 Statistics Canada report, ten percent of all cases come from our province.

Halifax has the second highest number of cases among cities. behind Toronto.

RCMP are shedding light on the issue, as tomorrow marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Cpl. David Lane of the human trafficking unit says rural towns are just as impacted as bigger cities.

“One of the biggest things we hear is that, ‘I didn’t think it could happen in small fishing village, or a small farming village.’ It can happen to anyone, anywhere. One of our mandates is to spread the word through rural communities,” says Cpl. Lane.

A quick response QR code was launched in February, and placed on posters and stickers throughout the province.

Cpl. Lane says parents, friends and community members should know the signs.

“If you think someone is vulnerable to be trafficked, reach out to us. The quicker we can get someone away from a trafficker, the more likely we’ll be successful.”

He says anyone can be a victim, but sex-trafficking of girls aged 14-16 is most common.