There is over $7 million being promised over five years to support human trafficking victims in Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford explains it will help victims and survivors get back on their feet.
“This funding will provide them with meals, accommodation, transportation, dental care, and cell phones. It will also help survivors rebuild their lives,” says Ford.
The Premier adds police in the province are getting the tools required to stop the practice noting “we’re going keep looking at ways of intervening earlier and stop this terrible crime from happening in the first place.”
The government says supports funded through this investment include:
- Additional funding to the Victim Quick Response Program+ to help human trafficking victims and survivors cover essential expenses, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, dental care, mobile phones, and tattoo removal.
- Enhanced services under Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario to enable front-line staff across Ontario to address the immediate and local needs of human trafficking victims and survivors, particularly children and Indigenous persons. This could include early intervention to help victims transition out of human trafficking, referrals to local programs, and increased hours of service.
- Expanded funding to the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund to cover key court-related expenses for human trafficking victims and survivors, including basic necessities such as weather or courtroom-appropriate attire, and costs associated with travel, meals, and accommodations.
