'It's a strong economic climate and the fees (for sexual services) charged in Calgary are quite a bit higher (than elsewhere in Canada),' said Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Bell
Calgary is identified as a major hub for human trafficking, with activity and severity on the rise. Contributing factors include its robust economy and higher fees for sexual services compared to other Canadian cities. Survivors are increasingly being physically branded, indicating heightened severity. The city's international airport facilitates trafficking, serving as a key intelligence source. Challenges in investigation include survivors' reluctance to cooperate due to fear of retaliation and traffickers' distance from their victims. Efforts to combat trafficking involve trauma-informed investigation methods, collaborations with other agencies, and investments. Specific cases include the closure of massage parlors linked to trafficking and arrests of suspected traffickers. The Alberta government has invested $5.5 million in anti-trafficking initiatives, with 260 incidents reported between 2012 and 2022, though the actual number is likely higher.
