The Government of Canada has invested over $57.22 million in the fight against human trafficking
TDS News – Human trafficking is a heinous crime that devastates victims, survivors, their families, communities and society as a whole. It also disproportionately affects women and girls, as well as vulnerable and marginalized individuals.
In September 2019, the Government of Canada launched a comprehensive National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking that brings together federal efforts and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing.
Today, Public Safety and Emergency Minister Bill Blair announced almost $55,000 to Saint Mary’s University for their Community Hackathon: Addressing Human Trafficking in Atlantic Canada project. This funding is made available under the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime.
“ Through projects like this one, we are working together to build a safer and more resilient Canada, where all people are protected from human trafficking and its harms.” – Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety Minister
This project kicked off today with a virtual hackathon. This two-day event is bringing together post-secondary students from across Atlantic Canada, as well as service providers, law enforcement and others, to explore innovative ways that technology can be used to raise awareness of human trafficking.
For a month following the hackathon, participants will continue to receive mentorship and training from Saint Mary’s University to further develop their ideas and learn how they may be applied in practice.
This week, the Government of Canada also launched its national human trafficking public awareness campaign. The campaign will raise awareness among Canadian youth and parents of the misperceptions of human trafficking and increase understanding of its warning signs and how to report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.
About The Author
