On Friday, Alberta’s government awarded $5.5 million in grant funding to 19 organizations working to stop human trafficking and empower survivors.
Saturday was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and according to the provincial government, they are reaffirming its commitment to combatting this unthinkable crime.
"Human trafficking is a violation of fundamental human rights that takes advantage of vulnerable people, subjecting victims to forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and trauma, affecting individuals and communities across the province," stated the province.
The government of Alberta acknowledges the pressing need to combat human trafficking and offer survivors all-encompassing assistance. The Combatting Trafficking in Persons Award, which was introduced in December 2024, assists organizations in preventing human trafficking, protecting individuals who are in danger, and empowering survivors.
Numerous groups that are essential to preventing human trafficking and assisting survivors have submitted for the grant since its inception, and 19 of them will be awarded funds to support their vital work.
"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. 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," shared Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
The grant recipients this year, according to the government, include:
- Alberta Native Friendship Centres
- Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
- Buckspring Foundation #NIMC
- Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE)
- Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
- Chiniki First Nation
- Catholic Social Services
- GoodStoney First Nation
- HER Victory
- Hull Services
- Kainai Transition Centre Society
- Métis Nation of Alberta
- Narrow Road Society
- REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities
- RESET Society
- Salvation Army
- The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons (The AC)
- Tsuut’ina Nation
- Waypoints Community Services Association
"Collaboration and community partnerships are vital to combatting human trafficking. These grants strengthen the capacity of organizations to work with law enforcement, non-profits and Indigenous communities to deliver critical supports where they are needed most. These grants provide resources to empower survivors with the tools and services they need to recover and thrive. By investing in prevention, we are addressing the root causes of trafficking and reducing exploitation in our communities," stated the province.
The three main focuses of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant are empowerment, protection, and prevention. By raising public knowledge of human trafficking's warning signs and risk factors, encouraging community involvement, and promoting teamwork, funded programs seek to combat human trafficking. While empowerment projects will support survivors through peer support networks, skill-building programs, and advocacy efforts, protection measures will offer emergency support and aid victims in navigating the legal and medical systems.
"With the Alberta Centre leading the way, we now have a dedicated, community-led organization working in partnership with the Government of Alberta and focused on disrupting trafficking networks and empowering survivors. This centre brings hope for vulnerable individuals and a safer future for all Albertans. Our work is focused on empowering those affected by trafficking, disrupting networks of exploitation, and fostering safer, more resilient communities,” mentioned Paul Brandt, founder and CEO #NotInMyCity, and co-chair of Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons
Recipients of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant had to be located in Alberta.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.