The Saskatchewan government is investing $160,000 to keep specialized human trafficking responder positions in place at the Saskatoon Police Service.
The funding, announced Thursday on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, will sustain two Human Trafficking Responder/Liaison positions that provide crisis intervention, advocacy, court navigation and trauma-informed support for victims and survivors.
Justice Minister Tim McLeod said the investment will strengthen frontline supports, improve coordination among police and community agencies, and help prevent further exploitation. The responder positions also focus on public education, awareness and training to better identify and respond to human trafficking.
Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said the positions have become a critical part of the service’s response, providing specialized support to survivors while working alongside investigators and community partners. He said the provincial funding will allow the police service to maintain a full team dedicated to combating human trafficking.
The positions were previously funded by the federal government.
The province says the investment is funded through Saskatchewan’s implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
To date, the Ministry of Justice says it has committed more than $8 million to initiatives under the action plan and invests more than $70 million annually in programs that address interpersonal violence and abuse across the province.