A big investment is being made to help combat human trafficking in Leeds, Grenville and surrounding areas.
On Friday, the province announced it’s investing more than $586,000 over the next five years to create a new community-based program to support young victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Jill Dunlop was in Brockville to announce the funding, along with MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Steve Clark.
Dunlop says this program will support long-term healing for child and youth victims of sex trafficking in our area.
“It’s part of the government’s 5-year, $307 million anti-human-trafficking strategy across Ontario,” Dunlop said. “So, it’s great news for this area. We recognize Brockville is right along Highway 401, which is known for moving victims of human-trafficking across the province.”
Enhancing protection for children and youth is a key component of the province’s new proposed Combatting Human Trafficking Act – which was introduced in February to combat the growing crime..
The new program delivered by Victim Services Leeds and Grenville is funded through the province’s Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund.
It will provide ongoing services for children and youth who have been sexually exploited, such as trauma counselling, employment readiness and peer support, and will include access for young people in rural and remote areas.
MPP Clark says because of our proximity to the U.S. Border, this was an issue that hits very close to home.
“You talk to victim services, they provide service to around 40 individuals from around the riding that have faced this terrible situation,” Clark said. “I’m just proud that Minister Dunlop was in Brockville today and recognized the important work that victim services does.”
Executive Director of Victim Services in Leeds and Grenville Sonya Jodoin says a survivor recently told them that she appreciates and values the support they provide, but wanted to talk to someone who has been through similar circumstances.
Now, they can provide that.
“We are so very thankful for this grant as it allows us to bring survivor voices into our programs and have survivors as peer support workers, furthering our efforts towards recovery and healing,” Jodoin said.
Honoured to join @JillDunlop1 this morning to announce more than $586,000 over the next five years to create a new community-based program to support victims and survivors of human trafficking in Leeds and Grenville. Learn more: https://t.co/5D2blk7g2C pic.twitter.com/NsNLqll0N7
— Steve Clark (@SteveClarkPC) March 12, 2021
