Status of Women committee  One complementary response is the issue of protection and what physical protection is required. When we address a case, we identify whether the victim is in need of immediate protection. If she is, then we'll bring the police in to provide it. There has been an issue raised about housing for the victim.

Status of Women committee  I have trouble with the question because I don't have the information to draw this link. I'm not aware of the information to draw the link.

Status of Women committee  Following the introduction of IRPA--the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act--in 2002, all visa officers serving abroad received training in detecting trafficking, so that's part of the standard training of everyone who is posted overseas to issue visas, and they're constantly vigilant for that.

Status of Women committee  Your question implies that these people are in the United States. If they feel that they are in danger in the United States, they can seek help from the American government.

Status of Women committee  That would be if it is appropriate. We ask the victim if they are interested in participating with the police, either in an investigation or in an appearance as a witness. If the victim says yes and is prepared to appear as a witness, then we can extend the permit if it's appropriate for them to stay in Canada, or they might return to their home country and come back when they have to appear.

Status of Women committee  The discretion lies with immigration officers to issue the permit. They can issue the permit for any length of time they deem appropriate in the case, and it's very much a case-by-case approach. The guidelines suggest four months--120 days--as a period of reflection. As part of the process of interviewing the victim, the officer will look at the situation of the victim.

Status of Women committee  What we're providing is a temporary permit for victims just to get their feet underneath them. It's not a new immigration class. If the person wants to stay longer, they can apply under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, or if they think they're a refugee, they can apply as a refugee.

Status of Women committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. I too will abbreviate my remarks for the sake of time. I'm very happy to be here to answer any questions regarding CIC's contribution to what is a government-wide response to the issue of trafficking in persons. The first point I'd like to make is that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which came into force in 2002, we introduced the first in Canada offence for trafficking.