As part of our investigation, we've been talking with Crown attorneys across the country and, I think, in most provinces and territories at this point. One of the examples that was given to us was five days that were set aside for a human trafficking trial. Three days were spent arguing whether or not the sexual activities connected to trafficking could be admissible, and two days were spent contesting testimonial aids.
Crowns have asked us to recommend adding human trafficking to the rape shield laws in section 276, and they have said that this would save a lot of time and pain for survivors. Then we'd like to see testimonial aids being more presumptive. There's no need for somebody to contest what the survivor needs to participate safely.
The federal government could strengthen both of those provisions, and many more, in a way that strengthens the protections for survivors, actually reduces delays and saves money.