The first time a workshop participant questioned the facts I had presented on human trafficking in Niagara using data from The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, I was flabbergasted and didn’t know how to respond. The second time I was better prepared but decided another approach was needed. I wasn’t making this stuff up!
It is true that Indigenous girls as young as eight are victims of trafficking.
It is true that the majority (67%) of human trafficking in Canada happens in Ontario.
It is true that Niagara is wrapped around the major artery for human trafficking, the 401.
And, casinos and strip clubs don’t help.
So, Human Trafficking Justice Niagara (HTJN), a steering committee comprised of lay and clergy folk, decided it was time to invite an expert panel to help dispel the myths. While the group has hosted three virtual educational events since its inception in 2020, this one would be in-person.
On October 26, three experts provided a most informative session, “Human Trafficking – Not in My Backyard,” for just over 50 participants at Christ’s Church Cathedral. After a welcome and land acknowledgement by the new chair of HTJN, Wendy Saunders (St. James and St. Brendan, Port Colborne), Tim Dobbin, Rector of the Cathedral, extended a welcome and thanked the committee members for their work throughout the year.
The three guest speakers were Detective Kyle Jarvis of the Hamilton Police Service, Jen Lucking, executive director, Restorations and Nancy’s House, Burlington, and Jennifer Richardson, the first director of Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Office and a survivor of human trafficking herself. Each unique perspective provided a full picture of the reality that, indeed, human trafficking is in our own backyards, in large urban centres, as well as mid-size and small towns, and rural settings.
If you missed this year’s forum, stay tuned! The response to the gathering was so positive, the committee is working on replicating the event to take place in St. Catharines in October of 2025.
HTJN works on four pillars to address human trafficking —prayer, education, action, and advocacy. As a move toward both education and action, the group shared the resource pamphlet at the forum which has been created for distribution throughout the diocese. The resource contains information for individuals and parishes on the education and action front.
Another way parishes will continue the work of Human Trafficking Justice Niagara, is by marking Freedom Sunday in 2025. While the Anglican Church of Canada typically marks this day of prayer and education on the 4th Sunday of February, just after Feb. 22, the day Canadian parliament passed a national Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2007. However, other organizations like the Anglican Alliance promote the idea that parishes are free to choose any Sunday to mark Freedom Sunday.
With this in mind, Human Trafficking Justice Niagara would like to encourage you to use the resources created and shared on the diocesan website this past February. They are very much relevant for marking Freedom Sunday in 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Deirdre Pike, justice and outreach program consultant, [email protected].
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