National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is on February 22, and the Alberta government has announced new funding to put an end to human trafficking.
Human trafficking violates the fundamental human rights and takes advantage of those who are vulnerable, subjects victims to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
Because of this, it perpetuates the cycles of poverty and trauma and affects individuals and communities all over the province.
The Alberta government understands and recognizes that there is an urgent need to address human trafficking and therefore are providing support for survivors of human trafficking.
Back in December 2024, the provincial government introduced the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant that will help various organizations fight against and prevent human trafficking and protect those who are at risk, while empowering survivors.
Even though the grant was only introduced last December, 19 organizations that play a critical role in ending human trafficking and supporting survivors have already been chosen to receive funding through this grant.
"Human trafficking leaves lasting scars on victims, survivors and communities. We are taking a strong stance against traffickers and bolstering support networks for survivors. This funding will empower community-based organizations to provide specialized services that protect vulnerable individuals and disrupt the cycle of exploitation," explained the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis in a media release. "With these community grants, we are ensuring traffickers are held accountable and survivors have the support they need from organizations such as The Alberta Centre to rebuild their lives."
Collaboration and community partnerships play a vital role in combatting human trafficking in the province, and the grants provided under the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant will help to strengthen the grant recipient organization to better work with law enforcement, non-profits, and Indigenous communitied to help deliver critical supports for human trafficking survivors.
Through these grants, organizations will be able to provide resources that empower survivors of human trafficking and provides tools and services that will help them to recover and thrice.
The Alberta government is hoping that by investing in human trafficking prevention, they are addressing the root causes and reduce exploitation in the province.
These grants focus on the prevention, protection, and empowerement portions of human trafficking, and through these grants, there will be increased public awareness of human trafficking signs and risk factors.
These grants will also help support community engagement and foster collaboration, as well as providing emergency support, helping victims to navigate the legal and health care systems, and assist survivors through peer support networks, skill-building programs, and advocacy efforts.
While deciding who to provide grants to, they gave priority consideration to initiatives that will meaningfully include those who have lived through human trafficking, as well as programs that are Indigenous led.
By doing it that way, it ensured that the funding was given to culturally relevant, survivor-centered services that offered the greated impact on vulnerable populations.
Through the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant, the Alberta government awarded $5.5 million to 19 organizations.
Those organizations are:
- Alberta Native Friendship Centres
- ALERT
- Buckspring Foundation
- Catholic Social Services
- CEASE
- Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
- Chiniki First Nation
- Goodstoney First Nation
- HER Victory
- Hull Services
- Kainai Transition Centre Society
- Métis Nation of Alberta
- Narrow Road Society
- REACH
- RESET Society
- Salvation Army
- The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons
- Tsuut'ina Nation
- Waypoints
"Each one of these organizations brings a unique strength and innovative approach to ending trafficking," Minister Ellis said in a media conference about the grants. "Each one plays a very critical role in protecting vulnerable individuals, disrupting criminal networks, and empowering survivors to take control of their futures."
For the organizations that are wishing to apply for a Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant, the organizations must be located in Alberta.
To learn more about the grant and how to apply, click here.