Harper Government Takes Action To End Violence Against Women and Girls in York Region

NEWMARKET, ON, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Lois Brown, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, announced Government of Canada support for a new project to address the trafficking of women and girls in York Region.

"Our government is committed to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including human trafficking," said Minister Leitch. "This is a crime that affects as many as 27 million people worldwide, and Canada is not immune. We are proud to support the important work being done by groups like the Women's Support Network of York Region to address this serious issue."

"Ensuring the security of women and girls across Canada is a priority for the Harper government," said MP Brown. "This new project will address the problem of human trafficking in York Region and help strengthen our community."

The Women's Support Network of York Region is receiving $200,000 in funding for a 30-month project to research and develop a community action plan to end human trafficking in the region of York.  The project targets girls and young women who have been or are at risk of being trafficked. This includes young women aged 13 to 19 who, with the advent of the Internet and social media, are more exposed than ever to the risks of luring and sexual exploitation. The organization will consult a wide range of community partners, such as York Regional Police, local women's groups and social service agencies, to identify needs and promising approaches. The results of this research will inform the development of a comprehensive plan to address the problem of trafficking in the York region, led by the region's Anti Human Trafficking Committee.

"Our organization is committed to eliminating the crime of human trafficking and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable women and girls," said Ms. Kelly Cameron, Human Trafficking Program Developer for the Women's Support Network of York Region. "A community action plan is needed to prioritize and coordinate our efforts effectively. We are pleased to partner with Status of Women Canada and local agencies on this important project."

This project is being supported under Status of Women Canada's Call for Proposals entitled Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence against Women and Girls. It aligns with the specific theme of Preventing and Reducing the Trafficking of Women and Girls through Community Planning.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. The government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, reaching its highest level ever, supporting over 600 projects.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

For all other inquiries, contact:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca