Government of Canada reaffirms its commitment to combat sexual exploitation

MONTRÉAL, May 28, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Prestigious cultural and sports events attract thousands of visitors from around the world, generating significant economic and media spinoff for Montréal and the surrounding areas. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with its government partners, the City of Montréal and local stakeholders, wants to make sure that every effort is being made to keep major events safe for everyone.

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle‒Émard‒Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, joined the Government of Quebec, the City of Montréal and numerous stakeholders in applauding the various measures to combat sexual violence.

He also acknowledged the importance of awareness campaigns led by advocacy groups to combat sexual violence. Mr. Lametti assured the agencies in attendance that the Government of Canada would support these types of measures.

The Government of Canada took the opportunity to reiterate that in June 2017, it made a commitment to implement an action plan to combat sexual exploitation and human trafficking during the Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1. The action plan is led by CED in close collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada Border Services Agency, Public Safety Canada and Status of Women Canada. It includes the Griffon initiative, which has been in place since 2016, is specific to the Grand Prix and is spearheaded by RCMP officers and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), in cooperation with many partners, including the Government of Quebec.

Quotes

"The significant economic benefits generated by major international events cannot justify an upsurge in human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We have to act, and our actions have to be conducted on many fronts. We are convinced that it is critical to raise awareness among potential victims."

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that citizens of all genders can function safely everywhere. I am confident that pooling the resources of the federal departments, the Government of Quebec, the City of Montréal, Octane (the promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix F1), Liberty Media Formula 1, all major event promoters and local stakeholders will help us effectively combat violence and sexual exploitation during major events. It is a matter of human dignity. It is a matter of fairness."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–19 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]