MP Viersen Highlights Human Trafficking Awareness Day

February 23, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Barrhead, AB – February 22 was Canada’s third annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It took three years for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to End Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking to convince the House of Commons to finally recognize February 22 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2021.

“Far too many Canadians are unaware of both this national day and of what human trafficking looks like in Canada,” said MP Viersen. “That is why each year on February 22nd, we work across party lines to raise awareness of the reality of human trafficking in Parliament and in our communities.”

As Co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to End Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking, MP Arnold Viersen undertook a number of initiatives to help draw awareness to this issue:

· MP Viersen and fellow APPG Co-chairs made statements in the House of Commons and Senate drawing attention to February 22. · MP Viersen held a press conference with survivors and stakeholders. · The APPG provided resources and a joint video for Parliamentarians to raise awareness in their communities.

· The APPG Co-chairs organized a briefing for Parliamentarians to hear from survivors.

During the meeting with survivors and stakeholders, MP Viersen and the other Co-chairs were honoured for their ‘work and dedication to ending modern slavery.’

“Human trafficking is profitable, it’s brutal and it’s only growing in Canada. Ending it must always be a priority of Canada and this Parliament,” said MP Viersen. “I grateful for the voices of survivors and many of the incredible NGOs across Canada.”

“Every day, every Canadian can help prevent human trafficking. Parents and caregivers can learn how to spot the signs and protect their kids from being lured,” said MP Viersen. “And as a nation we also must end the demand for both paid sex and products made by slave labour.”

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