McGuinty Government combating human trafficking

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
News Release

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Ontario is investing in projects to rescue victims of human trafficking, and to improve police capacity to investigate and charge criminals involved in human trafficking.

Seven police initiatives aimed at preventing human trafficking across the province will receive additional support for:

• Special investigations targeting the sex trade
• Education campaigns for potential victims and witnesses
• Increased surveillance
• Dedicated human trafficking investigators
• Officer training

This investment is in addition to support provided earlier this year for emergency services and community agencies to better assist victims, and for new Crown specialists to help build stronger cases and prosecute offenders.

Ontario is committed to preventing victimization, protecting vulnerable people, enforcing human trafficking laws, prosecuting offenders and ensuring victims have the supports they need.

QUOTES

“Human trafficking is one of the most outrageous and appalling crimes that we face in Ontario, in Canada and around the world. The McGuinty government is committed to doing everything we can to lock up offenders, and to rescue, protect and support victims.”
— Jim Bradley, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

“Today's announcement is a positive step in helping Ontario police services to enforce human trafficking laws and help victims. By supporting a coordinated approach to fighting against this despicable criminal behaviour, the Ontario government is helping police protect innocent human beings."
— Matthew A. Torigian, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

“Today’s support for Niagara Regional Police actions against human trafficking underlines our government’s eight year record of being tough on crime.”
— Kim Craitor, MPP, Niagara Falls

QUICK FACTS

• Human trafficking is a crime that makes victims through forced labour or prostitution.

• The police forces receiving funding serve Niagara, Peel, Windsor, Hamilton, York and Halton. The province is also providing funding to the Ontario Provincial Police in partnership with Anishinabek, Nishnawbe-Aski and Treaty Three Police Services.

• Projects are supported with funds from the Proceeds of Crime which are collected through criminal prosecutions.

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