Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you for appearing before the committee today.
Those of you who were here during the last Parliament may recall that during the 2006 election campaign, I discovered that a young Ethiopian woman was being kept against her will in a residence in Laval. We contacted the RCMP officers in Laval, and they did a very good job dealing with the situation. The people in question were arrested and prosecuted, but the judge found them not guilty. Indeed, it is very difficult to prove forcible confinement, as well as coercion.
When we commence proceedings in such situations, sections 279.01 to 279.04 of the Criminal Code provide us with tools, but I think there are some shortcomings. Indeed, if it is not possible to charge those who bring people into the country for trafficking purposes, either for prostitution or forced labour, the prevention that you do in the field and the fact that suspects are apprehended do not count for much.
How can we change the law so that it is more effective?
Mr. Stewart, could you tell me how many people have benefited to date from the various measures established by Immigration Canada?