Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller says newly passed legislation will help further protect local children from human trafficking.
Yesterday the Ontario government passed new legislation which includes two new acts – the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy Act and the Accommodation Sector Registration of Guests Act, as well as amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act.
Together, they build on the government’s response to combat human trafficking by:
• Increasing awareness of the issue;
• Supporting more survivors and the people who support them in obtaining restraining orders against traffickers, with specific consideration for Indigenous survivors;
• Strengthening the ability of children’s aid societies and law enforcement to protect exploited children;
• Increasing penalties for persons, including traffickers, who interfere with a child in the care of a children’s aid society; and,
• Clarifying how and when police services can access information from hotel guest registers to help deter trafficking and identify and locate victims, while establishing the power to include other types of accommodation providers, such as short-term rental companies.
“I am pleased to see this legislation pass because human trafficking happens everywhere, even here in Parry Sound-Muskoka,” said Miller. “The average age when young people, mostly young girls, are lured into human trafficking operations is approximately 13 years old so this will help protect children in our communities and across Ontario.”
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. Ontario is a hub for human trafficking, with the most police-reported incidents of human trafficking in the country occurring within the province in 2019.
“Our government is taking further action to fight the deplorable crime of human trafficking,” adds Premier Doug Ford. “This legislation will help to protect victims, support survivors and ensure offenders are held accountable and punished to the full extent of the law. Our government will not rest until everyone in Ontario can live free from violence and abuse.”