Minister Ambrose applauds Edmonton organization for efforts to end human trafficking

EDMONTON, Sept. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today applauded the efforts of the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT Alberta). The Edmonton-based group is holding an information session today on the topic, "Human Trafficking in Edmonton: Identifying and Assisting Victims."

The minister stressed her appreciation for ACT Alberta's work and pointed to the need for governments, public and private sector organizations and individuals to work together to protect all Canadians from this devastating human rights violation.

"Our government is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, including the trafficking of human beings, a crime that affects 27 million people worldwide, the majority of whom are girls and women," said Minister Ambrose. "We know that Edmonton, like many other Canadian cities, is not immune to this crime of international proportion and that is why the Government of Canada launched its National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking this past June."

ACT Alberta is a non-profit coalition of law enforcement, government agencies, non-government organizations and volunteers working to identify and respond to human trafficking. ACT Alberta serves the needs of trafficked women, men and children and addresses the issues related to international and domestic trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation.

The Government of Canada is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Through Status of Women Canada, the government has approved more than $54 million in federal funding since 2007 for projects that seek to address this serious issue. By working at the community level, we are improving the lives of women and girls across Canada.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:          

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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