Human trafficking is an unconscionable crime that impacts the most vulnerable in Canada and around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult to keep people safe, and help victims escape situations of human trafficking and access the supports they need.
Indigenous women and girls, newcomers to Canada, Black and racialized women and those living in poverty are particularly at-risk to being trafficked.
The federal government is committed to end human trafficking in all its forms and to provide victims and survivors with trauma-informed supports that will help them heal and regain control over their lives.
Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, has announced $3.2 million to support the following 10 organizations that prevent and address human trafficking in the Toronto area:
- Women’s Support Network of York Region
- Centre francophone du Grand Toronto
- Family Services of Peel
- FCJ Refugee Centre
- Indus Community Services
- Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto
- Victim Services Toronto
- Strides Toronto Support Services
- Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers
- Women’s Centre for Social Justice
- Women’s Support Network of York Region
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have provided $100 million in emergency COVID-19 funding to organizations serving women and children experiencing gender-based violence and made existing funding programs more flexible,” Monsef said. “To date, this assistance has been provided to 800,000 people across the country. Today’s investment will ensure that survivors and victims of human trafficking receive the support they need to regain independence and control over their lives.”
This funding will help these organizations increase awareness around human trafficking and support at-risk populations – including victims and survivors. Organizations like those receiving this funding are essential in ensuring victims and survivors have the help they need to escape violent situations and are supported as they move forward in their lives. The funding announced today comes from a Call for Proposals launched in 2020.
