VICTORIA – The B.C. government is trying to combat human trafficking by raising public awareness of the problem and providing training to medical staff to help them recognize people who have been victims of the crime.

The three-year plan, developed by B.C.’s Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, is aimed at stopping the trafficking of young people, vulnerable foreign workers and aboriginal youth and women.

As part of the plan, the Fraser Health Authority will develop a program to train medical staff to recognize the signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in people who visit hospital emergency rooms.

Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux says First Nations women and girls face a higher risk of trafficking and the program will provide services that are appropriate to the needs of aboriginals.

She says the plan also ensures that ministries across the government are working together to prevent human trafficking.

The program will include more aid to local communities to deal with human trafficking, and more research and possible legislation to address the crime.