Manitoba looks to crack down on people using hotels for human trafficking
The province is cracking down on people who use hotels and taxis for human trafficking.
If passed, a new law would require hotels and Airbnb's to keep a customer registry of all names and addresses. Police would be able to access information from the registry with a court order. On an urgent basis, if investigators believe a victim of human trafficking is in harm’s way or their life is in danger, they can demand the relevant portions of the registry.
The bill was introduced by Manitoba Families Minister Rochelle Squires.
“This will be one more tool that the police will have that will enable them to obtain information about a perpetrator,” said Squires.
The province says around 400 children and youth are trafficked annually in plain sight in Manitoba. But it estimates this is only a small portion of the illegal trade which operates in private and online.
Diane Redsky, from the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, welcomes the proposed law.
“These are venues where you have a room and a bed, people come and go,” said Redsky.
She said human traffickers use hotel rooms and temporary accommodations to sexually exploit women and girls behind closed doors. Redsky said at times cash is used so there is no paper trail. A registry would change that as customers would be required to provide their ID and address.
“Criminals rely on these venues as places to be able to sneak around,” said Redsky.
Maximum fines for non-compliance for individuals and corporations range from maximums of $5,000 to $100,000.
Manitoba Hotel Association President Scott Jocelyn said hotels already have the necessary records on file.
“I don’t think it will be cumbersome, we want to be part of the solution,” said Jocelyn.
The law would also compel hotels, Airbnb’s and taxi and ride-sharing drivers to report human trafficking instances to police. The association that represents taxi drivers says it supports this.
“We’re going to be working very closely with the sectors and enhancing awareness and ensuring they know who to call,” said Minister Squires.
There may be some opposition to the legislation. On Friday afternoon, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs released a statement raising a potential concern with the proposed law.
“We hope that with such legislation, it does not become an excuse to increase policing of First Nations children and youth and that the focus lies on the individuals and systems that create these violent conditions that harm our families,” said Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.