OTTAWA, December 2, 2014 - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement today to mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery:
“December 2nd marks the date of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Prostitution of Others. The focus of this day is to eradicate human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that anyone can fall victim to, but which often preys on some of our most vulnerable citizens including women and youth. In Canada, this despicable crime most often involves sexual exploitation but also includes forced labour, with those affected often compelled to live and work in inhumane conditions.
Our Government is working with partners to prevent and combat human trafficking. In the coming weeks, we will release the 2nd Annual Report on Progress for the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. The Report will provide details on our work in 2013-14 to prevent human trafficking crimes, protect those who are vulnerable and prosecute those responsible.
Our collaboration with partners at home and abroad is key to our ongoing successes as is raising awareness among Canadians across the country. Earlier this fall, I was honoured to participate in the [free-them] Freedom Walk, a fundraising event that supports both these goals.
We all have a part to play in the fight against this despicable crime. You can learn more about human trafficking on our website. If you wish to anonymously report a case of trafficking, please call Crime Stoppers National Tipline at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).”
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
