2024-Q2 Human Trafficking for Sexual Purposes
Whereas #1 beginning in 2001 and continuing in 2006, 2012, 2019 and 2020 the National Council of Women of Canada introduced policy focused on preventing Human Trafficking; and
Whereas #2 most victims are trafficked for sexual purposes within Canada between/among Canadian cities, Provinces and Territories; and
Whereas #3 it often takes victims years to escape their traffickers due to physical and psychological manipulation/coercion/exploitation, and at times due to lack of confidence in police and the justice system; and
Whereas #4 not one province or territory in Canada mandates the teaching of students about sex trafficking, and only Ontario specifically names it, even though students are prime targets for predators; and
Whereas #5 Ontario introduced sweeping changes with Bill 251, Ontario Human Trafficking Act, to combat human trafficking which gives police quicker access to information, imposes requirements on businesses that come in contact with suspected victims (e.g. hotels, short term rentals, ride services, etc.) including training for employees, and support the introduction of specially trained Crown Attorneys to more effectively ensure conviction; and
Whereas #6 as indicated by the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking 2019-2024, it is recognized that collaboration and coordination and a whole government approach is necessary to combat this complex issue; therefore be it
RESOLVED #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for extension of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking 2019-2024 that includes public awareness, prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership and requiring a survivor led with survivor input whole government approach to bolster the domestic and international responses; and be it further
RESOLVED #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ensure perpetuity and extend the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking 2019-2024 that includes public awareness, prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership and requiring a survivor led with survivor input whole government approach to bolster the domestic and international responses; and be it further
RESOLVED #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to collaborate and coordinate with the provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous peoples to ensure that the National Strategy be adopted to combat human trafficking; and be it further
RESOLVED #4 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge its Provincial Councils to advocate with their governments to introduce legislation to combat human trafficking, and to collaborate with the Government of Canada to ensure that the strategy recognizes inter- jurisdictional and shared responsibility on this issue; and be it further
RESOLVED #5 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge its Provincial Councils to advocate with their governments to ensure that the curriculum for all schools includes information on sex trafficking as a preventive measure based on research that shows an informed student is a protected student.