Human trafficking is a devastating crime that disproportionately affects women and girls. Traffickers exert control over victims in a range of ways to get them to do something that they are unwilling to do. It can involve physical, sexual or emotional violence, but it can also involve financial control and fraud. The Government of Canada is committed to combatting human trafficking in all its forms and helping survivors reclaim their lives, by addressing barriers that can stand in their way.
The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, earlier this week, met with Victim Services Toronto and Project Recover, which provide support to survivors of human trafficking looking to reclaim their financial independence. This project is supported with an investment of $158,500 over two years, made available under Public Safety Canada's Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime (CPCSOC).
Gaining access to financial services is essential to survivors' reintegration into their communities. These services are needed to access housing and pursue employment and education, but can be exceptionally difficult to obtain. Project Recover advocates with creditors on behalf of survivors to eliminate fraudulent debts incurred in the course of their exploitation and offers personal finance coaching through volunteers from the financial sector. Federal support has allowed the project to increase its capacity to help more survivors, and to offer its services using a trauma-informed approach.
Combatting human trafficking requires urgent action in collaboration with community partners. As we work toward building a safer and more resilient Canada, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting these efforts though the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, which aims to prevent, protect and empower victims and survivors.
