London, June 30, 2016 – I am pleased to see the government moving forward with initiatives to end human trafficking. Ontario has been a hub of human trafficking for far too long.
During my time on the Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment, I heard many heartbreaking stories of vulnerable women being caught in trafficking, and the significant struggles they faced during transitionary periods.
I urge the government to incorporate the voices and expertise of survivors into the strategy, to ensure that resources and supports are specialized and trauma-informed, and responsive to the unique needs of victims of trafficking. It will also be important to provide training for law enforcement officials and front-line agencies.
I look forward to learning more of the details of the government’s plans and holding them to account to protect victims, while addressing the root causes that make victims susceptible to traffickers in the first place.