OTTAWA:   Oct. 25, 2011 –- MP Colin Mayes is pleased to jointly second Kildonan-St Paul MP Joy Smith’s Private Members’ Bill C- 310 “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).”

This bill will make two important amendments that will help combat modern day slavery in Canada and abroad by providing evidentiary aid to courts to enhance the definition of exploitation such as the use of threats, violence, coercion and fraudulent means. “We must protect those weak among us who are at risk of being trafficked”, said MP Mayes.

Secondly, the Bill will amend the Criminal Code to enable Canadian human traffickers to be prosecuted in Canada when the offence occurs outside of Canada.

“Trafficking is a heinous crime often carried out across international borders and while our country has adopted stiff penalties for criminals who traffic victims, into, through, and from Canada, it is important that we also prosecute Canadians who traffic or enslave vulnerable populations in other countries.  As a nation, we must commit to prosecuting Canadian nationals who commit these crimes, regardless of geographical location at the time of offence.” concluded MP Mayes.