Golden, BC, Canada
Trafficker promised jobs to men from the Congo as tree planters. Up to seven men lived in a shipping container in remote areas of Golden, BC with no toilet or washroom. They ate expired food and subjected to violence. RCMP are also in investigating the death of one worker on one of the traffickers remote work sites. 57 men weren't paid for work between March and July of last year, and are still waiting for compensation. The company already had a "horrible track record" with WorkSafeBC where there were 20 violations found. NOTE: This case is not being charged with human-trafficking. Further details below.
Location
Canada · Golden, BC · 2011 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
The camp was shut down by forest ministries and further investigations began with RCMP. RCMP have tried getting in contact with the trafficker, but have been unsuccessful. The company was added to the Forest Ministries list of disqualified bidders on Sept.2nd. That expires in Sept, 2012, but will be reviewed if further action is necessary. Company fined $3,500 by BC Employment Standards Branch
A group of fishermen noticed smoke during a high-risk forest fire season and reported it. Officials began their investigations.
They are still waiting for the emacipation. Some of the workers have been homeless since last summer and are looking for EI. However, EI is following the company's false documents and denying the workers insurance. $228,000 in wages back to employees
Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don't have a verifiable source on file yet — use “Report a problem” below to add one.