The Swedish queen took time out Wednesday during a four-day state visit to Canada with her husband, King Carl Gustaf - their first in 18 years - to meet with Canadian experts on violence and the international trafficking of women. "This is a global question and I think it's necessary that countries reach out their hands, that police reach out their hands, Interpol, the governments, everybody," Silvia said after a brief meeting with government officials and experts in Montreal. "I was impressed by the work Canada and also Quebec is doing," Silvia told reporters.
The issue has long been a priority for the Swedish queen, who also took part in a brief roundtable on youth drug addiction. "I have been admiring Canada very much because Canada has been very active so I've been following it," she said. "I think we have a lot to learn and collaborate in that field," she said.
Although the meeting was very brief, the queen said two Swedish experts attended the international conference and will return home with new ideas. Maryse Rinfret-Raynor, provost and vice-director of academic affairs at the University of Montreal and co-chairwoman of the conference, said Canada and Sweden have similar approaches to the problem. "If this social problem is to be resolved.
.. there has to be a political will to put in place what is necessary to make things happen," she said.
Politicians, social groups and law enforcement must all be involved, said Rinfret-Raynor. "Both Canada, Quebec and Sweden are working from that perspective," she added. They will meet with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Quebec Premier Jean Charest as they tour Quebec and Ontario until Saturday, when they head to the United States.
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