Canadian Government Commits $19M to Fight Human Trafficking

"Human trafficking is largely hidden. New trends continue to emerge, and the pandemic has increased the harms to the most vulnerable. If you are a survivor of sexual exploitation, forced labour; if you believe someone else might be, or if you are currently being exploited and ready to talk to someone about your next steps, please call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010. Caring professionals are ready to assist you, 24/7. If you and your team provide holistic, trauma-informed services to help survivors regain their independence, reintegrate into their communities, and begin their healing and recovery process, we thank you. Eligible organizations for the funds announced today include those supporting victims and survivors and community-led empowerment programs addressing the root causes of human trafficking."

The Honourable Bill Blair, P.C., M.P. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparednessand The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P. Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

The new initiative set in motion by The Honourable Bill Blair and the Honourable Maryam Monsef in July 2020, specifically speaks to two opportunities to receive a portion of the $19M allocated to Women and Gender Equality and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

$14M is eligible to Woman and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). The Government has declared, "WAGE proposals will support organizations that work to prevent and address human trafficking to develop and implement promising practices to enhance empowerment supports for at-risk populations and survivors of human trafficking."

The remaining $5M will be allocated through Public Safety Canada. Eligibility for these funds extends to non-for-profits, Indigenous governments, Indigenous not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and their agencies.

The application process closed on September 4, 2020, and funds will be allocated in the coming months to successful applicants who will make a significant impact in their communities.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Government Funding

With the Government's focus on Covid-19 recovery and relief, there was a real threat that previous efforts put forth regarding Human Trafficking would be pushed aside or entirely forgotten. Fortunately, The Honourable Bill Blair and The Honourable Maryam Monsef have worked diligently to keep the spotlight on these important initiatives and funding efforts despite acknowledging that the pandemic has proven increasingly difficult to keep vulnerable areas safe from for victims and survivors.

Fortunately, through Covid-19, across Canada, over 1000 sexual assault centres and organizations servicing human trafficking and gender violence have used emergency funding to remain operational and provide essential services to those in need.

Whole-Of-Government National Strategy

Human trafficking generates approximately $150B in profits worldwide, and the Canadian Government is committed to working with National and International partners to fight this horrific crime. A whole-of-government National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking began with a five-year plan, set in motion in the Spring of 2020, to fund programs and support victims – read about this program in our earlier blogs here. The recent bill to allocate $19M is a positive sign that the need to fight Human Trafficking continues to stay visible despite the growing concerns over the pandemic.

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

In May 2019, the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline was launched. It is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, to help victims and survivors of this horrific crime. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, please do not hesitate to call 1-833-900-1010.

If you are or believe you have identified someone in a trafficking situation, you can take action. Call 911 immediately to notify local law enforcement. You may also call the human trafficking hotlines in Canada and the United States by dialling the numbers below. Both hotlines are open 24/7/365 days of the year and provide services in over 200 languages.