I appreciate the opportunity to put this motion forward. Those of us who were on the committee last year undertook a study on human trafficking. I remember the shock when we heard the comments that Vancouver was a sex destination, so designated throughout the world by those who know. Then we got into a discussion of what the impending Winter Olympics was going to create in Vancouver, since major sporting events are often hubs for trafficking and sexual predators. So we passed a motion out of this committee that went to the House asking the government to develop and implement a plan. It's here in the body of the motion.
A couple of week ago, I had the opportunity to attend a citizens summit in Vancouver on human trafficking. It was a very powerful event. It was attended by about 150 people, and out of it came a declaration signed by the 23 or 24 sponsoring organizations as well as others in attendance. I'd be happy to share this declaration with members of the committee. I did not bring copies of it, although I have it with me. It was a good reminder of how important it is for this committee to be vigilant in holding the government to account in respect of the activities it is undertaking that relate to the 2010 Olympics. We still have a lead time of some months. It's clear that the many communities of Vancouver are fully engaged in this issue. In this motion, I am asking that we hear from the appropriate government officials on the measures they've put in place to curtail trafficking, to secure their communities against trafficking, and to make this a lasting legacy of the 2010 Olympics.
I would ask for the support of the committee. I don't think it should be a contentious motion, but I think it's an important one.