Updates on human trafficking

A few updates on the fight against human trafficking in Canada:

Joy Smith’s Private Members’ Bill, C-268 – which aims to establish a mandatory minimum sentence for the trafficking of minors – will be voted on in the House of Commons on Wednesday April 22 2009. If the bill passes, it will then proceed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

I also recently discovered a new non-profit organization, Canada Fights Human Trafficking, which has been advocating in favour of Bill C-268. Their site also provides information and links about the issue of human trafficking in Canada.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has released a report on human trafficking in Canada. Human Trafficking: A Report on Modern Day Slavery in Canada outlines the prevalence of trafficking in Canada and focuses on the need for a “broad and coherent action plan” on trafficking, particularly in light of the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The report reviews anti-trafficking policies that have been implemented by other countries hosting international events, and highlights strategies that have been successful in reducing instances of trafficking. It also provides policy recommendations for governments in Canada to implement as the Olympic Games draw near.

These updates are positive developments that reflect a growing awareness regarding human trafficking in Canada and an increasing level of advocacy on the issue.