Statement by Minister Blair and Minister Monsef  on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons:

July 30, 2020

Ottawa – The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bill Blair, and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, today issued the following statement on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons:

“Today is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Human trafficking continues as a vile, harmful crime that disproportionately impacts women and girls. The Government of Canada is working with domestic and international partners to combat human trafficking in all its forms. The pandemic has made it more difficult to keep vulnerable populations safe, and help victims to escape situations of human trafficking and to access the supports they need.

Certain groups are at an increased risk of being trafficked, including: women and girls, Indigenous peoples; migrants and immigrants; LGBTQ2 and gender diverse people; persons living with disabilities; and at-risk children and youth. It is important that we fight this abhorrent violation of human rights and dignity, and do everything possible to support those who are at risk as well as those who have been trafficked.

On July 29, the Government of Canada launched calls for proposals as part of the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, a whole-of-government approach to eradicate human trafficking and support those most impacted by it.

•  Women and Gender Equality Canada launched the Human Trafficking Initiative call for proposals. Up to $14 million in funding over four years is available to organizations working to prevent human trafficking and to support survivors of these crimes. The projects funded through this call will develop, implement and test interventions, programs or services that have shown potential to enhance empowerment supports for at-risk populations and survivors of human trafficking.
• Public Safety Canada launched an open call for proposals for two initiatives under the Contribution Program for Serious and Organized Crime. Up to $5 million over four years in funding will be made available under this call to eligible organizations for projects that focus on providing trauma-informed, culturally-relevant support services for victims and survivors of human trafficking and for pilot projects that seek to increase awareness of human trafficking among at-risk youth.

We have taken important steps, including the appointment of Special Advisor on Human Trafficking, retired RCMP Assistant Commissioner and member of the Mohawks of Kanesatake Shirley Cuillierrier, but there is more work ahead. We are determined to end human trafficking and ensure this heinous crime is no longer a threat to anyone in Canada or around the world.”