â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Human Trafficking: Yes it’s happening on a local level say RCMP

An information session on human trafficking took place in Williams Lake Tuesday evening.

RCMP Cst. Sharon Peters says the public has a huge role when it comes to prevention.

“You’re coming into contact with people every day; you’re going to see people at their best and at their worst. You will meet people who are ready to talk to you, but would never want to talk to me,” she said.

“You need to educate yourself and it’s something that can be prevented but people are turning a blind eye. People aren’t accepting that it can happen in Williams Lake.”

Peters says trafficking can be sexual but also labor intensive as well-a Dawson Creek Tim Hortons was investigated in 2012 following complaints against the owner from employees from Mexico who alleged they were forced to live in overcrowded housing and subjected to racist and discriminatory treatment.

A hotel in Valemount meanwhile has also been subjected to RCMP investigations on human trafficking in which 8 foreign workers were forced into prostitution run solely by Alberta dollars.

Peters goes on to say that although the City’s crack issue, which is a growing concern, can be tied at times with trafficking it is often difficult for police to prove.

“Crack hits in town cost about 10 bucks. Right here in town (Williams Lake), you’re having girls who are trying to get their next hit, their next fix and in exchange for that, they’re performing sexual favors,” she said.

“That is a big issue.”

The definition of trafficking according to Peters is moving someone from one place to another and forcefully exploiting them for the purpose of making money off of them.

There have been only 34 criminal convictions in human trafficking across Canada since 2005.

The Williams Lake RCMP currently have some different programs in the works to combat and raise awareness of human trafficking, which includes Children of the Street who will be talking to children within School District 27 in November.

Human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry within the world tied with the weapons trades raking in about $150 billion dollars each year.

Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Rebecca Dyok
Rebecca Dyok
News Reporter/Anchor who loves the Cariboo and coffee (lots of it). If you have any news tips or story ideas you would like to share I can be reached at [email protected]

Continue Reading

ckbx Now playing play

cffm Now playing play

ckcq Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Quesnel Ambassadors Showcase for Crowning Ceremony Tonight

The showcase for the 2025 Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program was held last night. The four candidates gave speeches and presentations on their skills and lives. The event was MC'd by the previous years Quesnel Ambassadors winners. The final decision on who will be the 2025 Quesnel Ambassador will be made tonight at 7 pm at Echen Hall.

Big Donation Gives a Big Step for Quesnel Search and Rescue

The Quesnel Search and Rescue received a $5,000 donation from the Quesnel Elks Lodge #298. The Director of Quesnel Search and Rescue says donation will be going towards advancing the Search and Rescue's technical rope rescue kit.

B.C. adds 5k jobs in June, led by gains in part-time work

British Columbia added 5,000 jobs in June but saw a dip in full-time employment, according to the latest jobs report from Statistics Canada. 

Missing Woman Last Seen in Quesnel Found Deceased

RCMP report on July 11, 2025, they have found Alice Chingee deceased. Chingee was reported missing on July 18, 2024.

B.C. maintains decision to end drug coverage for girl with rare, fatal disease

B.C. is standing by the decision not to continue drug coverage for a Vancouver Island girl with a rare, fatal disease. 
- Advertisement -