Human trafficking is as pertinent in southern Manitoba as it is on the international stage, according to former MP Joy Smith.

Canada's leading advocate on the issue delivered a presentation, along with a call to action, at the Altona Curling Club Wednesday evening.

"God expects us to pray. He gives us the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom, and with the Holy Spirit comes the demand for action. And so you can't just pray it away; it's got to have action behind it," said Smith, who identifies as Christian.

Human trafficking includes sex work, forced labour and coerced crime. Although the average profile of a victim is a 12- to 14-year-old girl, anyone can become involved.

"I've dealt with several cases in this area. And even last year a constable from Winkler came to see me about a trafficking case that was in a house right across the street from where he lived. It's very much here," she said.

Police reports of human trafficking cases have spiked since 2009, according to Statistics Canada. More than half took place between 2015-2016.

The rise of reports follows the passing of two major bills in the House of Commons with Smith's leadership. Bill C-310 amended the Criminal Code to allow the federal government to prosecute Canadians for trafficking in persons while outside of Canada. Bill C-36 criminalized the buying of sexual services.

"The end point is it is very prevalent. The traffickers come on as the kids' friends and it happens before you know it. And that's what surprises so many families. They think, 'It could never happen in my family'; well, it does," Smith said.

Around 93 per cent of the country's human trafficking victims were born in Canada. Half of the total number are Indigenous. The average profit a trafficker makes per victim, per year ranges between $260,000 and $280,000.

On Oct. 5, Altona will host Ride for Refuge for the first time. The goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness for the Joy Smith Foundation to combat human trafficking.

Related article: Sex Trafficking Taking Place In Southern Manitoba, Warning Signs For Parents