Top Stories Of 2009
Government of Canada partners with Canadian Crime Stoppers to increase public awareness of human trafficking
Vancouver, January 15, 2009 - The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today announced a partnership agreement with the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association for activities to help increase public awareness of human trafficking.
As a result of this partnership, Crime Stoppers will receive $120,000 in funding to launch a national awareness campaign as well as help inform people where to report suspected cases. This funding is part of the $6 million allocated in Budget 2007 to enhance current activities aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“The Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking, both at home and abroad, said Minister Van Loan. “Our commitment is reflected in Canada’s progress on a number of recent initiatives, including this partnership with Canadian Crime Stoppers which has a proven track record as a valuable crime-fighting tool.”
"The RCMP takes the issue of human trafficking very seriously, “said RCMP Supt. Bill Ard. “This modern-day form of slavery tends to be clandestine in nature, so it can be difficult for law enforcement to identify both the victims and traffickers. This new partnership with Crime Stoppers will allow the public to provide critical assistance to law enforcement by providing the means for anonymous reporting of suspected human trafficking activities."
“Canadian Crime Stoppers (CCSA) is proud to have been chosen to partner with Public Safety Canada and the RCMP in the fight against human trafficking.” said CCSA Chair, Ralph Page.” Crime Stoppers programs across Canada are committed to supplying information to the public about human trafficking and providing them with a service that allows them to anonymously report this crime in their community.”
The Government of Canada fully recognizes that prevention and awareness is critical in responding to human trafficking. As part of the overall strategy to respond to trafficking, this Government continues to lead, support and implement numerous initiatives, domestically and abroad, to prevent trafficking, to educate the public about human trafficking, to train officials who may come into contact with trafficked persons, and to raise general awareness on the issue.
To learn more about the Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit the Department of Justice Website at: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fs-sv/tp/links-liens.html
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
For further information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657