Minister Blaney highlights Harper Government's measures to combat human trafficking

2014 Progress report of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking is unveiled

MONTREAL, May 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, released the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking: 2013-2014 Annual Report on Progress. The second annual report highlights the collaboration among federal organizations and law enforcement to prevent the human trafficking of vulnerable Canadians and immigrants and prosecute those who seek to profit from this criminal activity.

Launched in June 2012, Canada's National Action Plan, with participation from 18 federal departments and law enforcement agencies, is a comprehensive blueprint to guide the Harper Government's fight against the serious crime of human trafficking.  As new information about the scope and nature of human trafficking in Canada comes to light, the Government of Canada will continue to enhance its efforts to engage with stakeholders and experts across the country on an ongoing basis in order to help prevent human trafficking and stand up for victims of this terrible crime.

Quick Facts

• Key achievements under the Plan in 2013-14 include the following:
  • Launch of an enforcement team to conduct human trafficking investigations;
  • National Threat Assessment on domestic human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Canada;
  • Support of projects that enhance services for victims of human trafficking by making up to $500,000 available annually under the Justice Canada Victims Fund;
  • Launch of national public awareness campaign on the domestic sex trafficking of Aboriginal peoples living on and off reserve and in rural, urban and northern communities;
  • Provision of funding to a number of international organizations and non-governmental organizations that work with governments to address human trafficking, with a core focus on prevention, protection and rehabilitation of trafficking victims;
  • Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act Regulations to provide further protection to temporary foreign workers, including ensuring that employers make reasonable efforts to provide a workplace free of abuse;
  • Engagement and collaboration with civil society and all levels of government to support knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships and inform policy responses, which included hosting a National Forum; and
  • Research to increase understanding of labour trafficking.
• The Harper Government has implemented numerous measures since 2006 to help combat the despicable crime of human trafficking including:
  • Implementing mandatory minimums sentences for those who have been convicted of trafficking a child;
  • Introducing the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act which makes it illegal for anyone to purchase sexual services while protecting those who sell their own sexual services from criminal liability;
  • Allowing Canadian citizens to be prosecuted in Canada for human trafficking, even if the trafficking occurred outside of Canada, and;
  • And as announced yesterday, making changes to the Canadian Passport Order to allow the Minister of Citizenship and immigration the authority to cancel, refuse or revoke a passport if that action is necessary to prevent a sexual offence against children in Canada or abroad.

Quotes

"As demonstrated by the recent human trafficking busts over recent weeks, human trafficking is a despicable crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Our Government has taken strong action on this issue, such as helping to implement mandatory minimum sentences for those who have been convicted of child trafficking and supporting the RCMP in their 'I'm Not for Sale' campaign. Our efforts clearly demonstrate that we are using all the tools at our disposal to assist victims and make our streets and communities safer."

- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

Related Products

• National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking: 2013-2014 Annual Report on Progress
• 2012-2013 Human Trafficking Stakeholder Consultations - National Summary Report
• National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
• News release: Minister Blaney announces a special RCMP Enforcement Team to combat human trafficking
• RCMP I'm Not For Sale Campaign

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Image with caption: "The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announces the release of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking: 2013-2014 Annual Report on Progress. He was accompanied by Superintendent Jean Cormier, Director, Federal Coordination Centre, RCMP, in Montreal on May 8, 2015 (CNW Group/Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150508_C8453_PHOTO_EN_16425.jpg

For further information: Jeremy Laurin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-991-2924; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657

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