Feb. 22 marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, calling attention to the fact that human trafficking remains to be a big issue throughout the country.
According to Paul Brandt, the Co-Chair of the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Indigenous peoples represent 4% of Canada’s population, yet they represent over 50% of trafficking victims throughout the country. Brandt said that his office is currently engaging with various Indigenous communities throughout Alberta around the issues of human trafficking.
To help combat this, the provincial government is handing out $3.5 million to 20 community organizations throughout Alberta that specialize in the prevention of human trafficking in their respective communities.
The Indigenous organizations receiving funds are the Kainai Transition Centre Society, Metis Child & Family Services Society, Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, Wood Buffalo Wellness Society, and the Creating Hope Society of Alberta.
