B.C.’s public safety minister said a new RCMP unit will lead the provincial response to human trafficking.
Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced the 12-person counter human trafficking unit (CHTU) on Wednesday.
“The creation of this new unit marks a significant step forward in our government’s efforts to assist police in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable,” said Krieger in a statement.
The province said the unit will work with police departments and other agencies to train officers and assist in investigations. It said the unit will also promote experts in the field of human trafficking to support criminal prosecutions.
The province said 43 incidents were reported to police in B.C. in 2023, but notes though the actual number may be higher as experts say human trafficking is significantly under-reported.
“Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime that requires specialized skills and resources from police,” said Chief Supt. Elija Rain, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section.
“The creation of this dedicated team strengthens our overall response to human trafficking in every corner of B.C.”
Funding for the CTHU will come from $230 million in police funding previously announced by the province to help RCMP hire 256 members over three years. The province said two hundred and twenty-five positions have been staffed and actions for the remaining 31 positions are expected to be completed by spring 2026.
