MPs say more resources are needed to shut down sex trafficking
By Chandra Lye
Special to The B.C. Catholic

Caption: NDP MLA Adrian Dix

More resources, not laws, are needed to fight sex trafficking, according to one Vancouver MP.

“I think it is really a question of making sure that our police forces, both internationally and domestically, have the tools they need and the resources they need to be able to actually go after the people involved in the international sex trade,” Vancouver-Kingsway MP Don Davies said.

“I think our laws are there. This is such a heinous crime that, internationally or domestically, we have lots of laws that would stop this.”

Davies made the comments at the showing of Red Light, Green Light, at St. Mary’s Parish March 11. The film looks at the legislation on sex trafficking and prostitution in 10 countries.

Davies said he was there for several reasons, including his Catholic faith. “I am interested as a Catholic. I am interested as a Member of Parliament.

“In Kingsway we still have a significant issue with street-level survival sex trade, and I am hoping to learn what the community thinks about that as well. That is a real problem in our area.”

Davies also said international cooperation was needed to combat the issue. “We just have to continue to put resources and effort into identifying this and doing our best to stop it.

“The exploitation of people, and particularly in this case of sexual exploitation primarily of women and girls, I think is a very troubling issue that I think all parliamentarians have an interest in, and we want to see what measures we can take to stop it.”

NDP MLA Adrian Dix, who was also at the showing, said he believed the answer may be in the community.

“There is a sex trade up and down Kingsway,” he explained. “Some of the programs that business itself: businesses, neighbourhood groups, and everyone in the community, become involved in, they have made some of the situations quite a bit better both for the women involved and for the community.”

“So there is lots that communities can do; there is lots the province can do.”