Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

Canada Announces $57 Million to Combat Human Trafficking

  • Published on
    September 4, 2019
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking, Law & Policy
Hero Banner

Canada has announced $57 million in funding to combat human trafficking over the next five years. As part of the new measure, the government has a new action plan that includes the appointment of a special adviser on human trafficking and an advisory committee made up of survivors.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale made the announcement on Wednesday.

“We want to ensure that prosecutions are more successful; that the crime is reported more often; that the victims and survivors have the supports they need in order to escape the evil circumstances in which they find themselves; and they have the self-confidence that they’re not going to further victimize themselves by coming forward,” he said.

“It’s horrendously tough, but we need to make it more and more possible for them to have the confidence that the public safety system, the justice system, the human support system will back them up.”

iPolitics reports:

Approximately $7.8 million of the new funds will be invested by CBSA in what Goodale called “immigration enforcement processes” and the establishment of a dedicated team of border officials to strengthen their effectiveness in preventing human trafficking.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will invest approximately $8.9 million to improve detection and response of suspected cases.

The Department of Women and Gender Equality Canada will invest approximately $10 million in the development and delivery of prevention programs, which are to be aimed at vulnerable populations in Canada — what Goodale described as “trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and victim-centred support services.”

Public Services and Procurement Canada will also invest around $5.5 million in the federal procurement system to extend their so-called integrity regime, in order to encourage more ethical behaviour by vendors in their supply chains and address human trafficking concerns.

The Trudeau government has already chosen its Special Adviser on Human Trafficking, announcing the selection of former RCMP Assistant Commissioner Shirley Cuillierrier, a member of the Mohawks First Nations of Kanesatake.

Federal election campaigning is due to begin this month, and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has already said he plans tackle trafficking by amending the criminal code to align it with the internationally accepted standards in the UN Palermo protocol.

Specifically, in contrast to the Palermo Protocol, at present the Crown must prove there was an element of fear present in the victim in order to convict a trafficker, thus making it more likely that charges against them will be stayed or withdrawn.

For Goodale, part of the key to measuring the success of this new action plan is seeing if reports of human trafficking increase.

“We want to see the reporting numbers go up,” he said, adding that “I can’t put a number on it.”

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Janet Hudgins
Janet Hudgins
5 years ago

These seem like so many campaign commitments that 1) should have happened years ago and 2) are platitudes. How are the predators going to be caught in the well-hidden underworld and what is the punishment, if any?

Sharlene
Sharlene
5 years ago

CONGRATULATIONS TO CANADA FOR FACING ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS CRIMES TODAY, SLAVERY!

This week

Afghani migrants describe trafficking crisis as "paths of death"

Migrants fleeing Afghanistan’s political and economic instability are increasingly falling prey to human trafficking networks in neighboring countries. A recent study by Amu highlights the systemic exploitation occurring in migrant camps designed to house undocumented Afghans, where trafficking networks operate with near impunity. “Migrant camps, often established to manage undocumented migrants, have become fertile ground for human trafficking

| Thursday November 28, 2024

Read more