Sask. moves to require hotels, taxis to report suspected human trafficking

The provincial government has introduced amendments to its human trafficking legislation. Saskatchewan's Justice Minister says the changes will address human trafficking's reliance on hotels, short-term rental platforms and taxi and ride-sharing services, with those industries now required to report suspected incidents of human trafficking to police. It creates a proactive duty upon those industries if they suspect any human trafficking activity. It's happening to proactively report that to police, further providing protection to individuals who may be susceptible or vulnerable to human trafficking. Police will also be authorized to demand access to a business's customer register when there are reasonable grounds to believe the information may assist in locating a victim of human trafficking. The proposed changes are already being welcomed by the hospitality industry. This type of amendment allows us an opportunity now to be able to work closer with law enforcement. So we feel that... That we're more able to respond to their requests and be able to give the information that they desperately need as they investigate this crime. In-person training will educate the industry, and that is expected to happen over the course of the next year. Punishment is expected to be harsh, with individuals and companies potentially facing steep fines if they are negligent. Advocates for victims of human trafficking are already on board with the changes. By, again, having other people on the ground to say, you know, I suspect that something's happening, it might actually change the trajectory of someone's life. The NDP says it will do its due diligence and will advocate for further improvements. They need access to safe and affordable housing. So government's priority needs to be that. Safe and affordable housing is the number one concern that we're hearing from those who are trying to leave these horrible situations. But the opposition says there's a lot to like about these changes and it's happy to see the industry and advocates already on board. Alexander Kwan, CBC News, Regina.