Trafficking survivors may be given right to sue
Human trafficking survivors would be allowed to sue their traffickers under new legislation proposed in Ontario, where about two-thirds of all police-reported cases in Canada occur.
Introduced Wednesday, the AntiHuman Trafficking Act would establish a process for survivors and those at risk to apply for human trafficking-specific restraining orders.
It would also allow survivors to take their traffickers to civil court, and proclaim Feb. 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
“Human trafficking exploits the most vulnerable people in our communities,” Status of Women Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris said in a statement. “It is a deplorable crime and we must do everything we can to protect and support survivors. This legislation helps survivors live without fear and access the services they need to recover.”
Progressive Conservative Laurie Scott introduced a private member’s bill tackling the same issue last year.
“We now finally see the government embracing the changes that stakeholders, including victims’ services organizations, police officers and victims themselves have long been calling for,” she said.
The Liberal government in June announced a $72-million strategy to end human trafficking, which includes the creation of a provincial anti-trafficking co-ordination office meant to foster collaboration between police, social services and child welfare. The pledge also included creating a specialized provincial prosecution team.