Winnipeg, November 19, 2010 - The Government of Canada today introduced the Preventing Trafficking, Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Immigrants Act. The reintroduction of these important legislative amendments to Canada's immigration laws will help protect vulnerable foreign workers such as exotic dancers who could be victims of exploitation or human trafficking.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for the Status of Women, and Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, made the announcement today on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
"This legislation will introduce important legislative changes to help close the doors to the dangerous victimization of girls and women, and we urge Parliament to join us in this serious matter and support the bill," said Minister Ambrose. "As Canadians, we believe women in all communities should be treated with the full respect and dignity they deserve and oppose situations in which women and girls face violence, abuse or exploitation."
The Preventing Trafficking, Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Immigrants Act would give immigration officers greater authority to deny work permits to vulnerable foreign workers being sent to Canada to work in humiliating and degrading situations, including those being trafficked into Canada. Strengthening immigration officers' authority would provide the Government of Canada with another tool to respond to situations where a work permit applicant could be at risk.
"Low-skilled labourers and women being brought into Canada to work as exotic dancers are particularly at risk," added MP Smith. "These changes will help protect those vulnerable immigrants who could find themselves in abusive or exploitative situations or possibly being preyed upon by human traffickers."
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
