MONTREAL, December 9, 2013 — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking by announcing an RCMP enforcement team focused on human trafficking, and releasing the 2012-2013 Annual Report on Progress of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. The Report outlines the progress made on the National Action Plan commitments since it was launched last year.
“Our government is continuing its global fight against human trafficking in Canada and abroad,” said Minister Blaney. “While significant progress has been made over the past year, a lot of work remains to be done. Our Government will continue to strengthen its efforts as new knowledge and information about the scope and nature of the despicable crime of modern-day slavery in Canada comes to light.”
A key commitment under the National Action Plan, the RCMP’s enforcement team is focused on human trafficking and works closely with law enforcement partners in the Province of Québec to fight human trafficking in Canada and abroad.
“The RCMPP and its law enforcement partners are committed to continuing our work at fighting human trafficking,” said Inspector Jean Cormier, Officer in Charge of the RCMP’s Federal Coordination Centres. “Every arrest sends a message and helps us get one step closer at putting an end to this heinous crime that erodes the fabric of our society and threatens the safety and security of Canadians.”
“We applaud the implementation of this promise from the National Action Plan,” said Ed Wilson, Acting Executive Director, International Justice Mission Canada. “The creation of an integrated enforcement team recognizes that the global scourge of human trafficking requires a multifaceted response, with coordination across multiple lines of jurisdiction. This encouraging step assures us that Canada will continue to prioritize the eradication of human trafficking within and outside its borders.”
Key achievements highlighted in the National Action Plan include:
- online and in-person consultations with human trafficking stakeholders across Canada;
- a partnership with the National Association of Friendship Centres to develop a human trafficking information and awareness campaign aimed at Aboriginal populations;
- increased outreach information specifically targeting foreign nationals and temporary foreign workers who may be vulnerable to human trafficking;
- launch of a youth awareness campaign through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); and,
- the issuance of negative Labour Market Opinions to businesses related to the sex trade and, at the same time, no longer processing work permit applications from temporary foreign workers destined to work for the same businesses.
Canada’s National Action Plan, with participation from 18 federal departments, is a comprehensive blueprint to guide the Government of Canada’s fight against the serious crime of human trafficking.
Canada looks forward to continued collaboration with the many experts and stakeholders at home and abroad to combat this crime.
To view the Annual Report on Progress of the National Action Plan online, please go to: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2013-ntnl-ctn-pln-cmbt-hmn/index-eng.aspx
