Province funds fight against human trafficking in the north
The Ontario government has announced $1.5 million in cash and proceeds seized from criminals will be spent across the province to help local partners fight back against crime.
The Ontario government is spending more than $64,000 through the Civil Remedies Grant Program to support Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking, which is based in Sudbury.
Officials said the money will fund youth compassion groups and human trafficking workshops for people who work closely with youth, including teachers across northeastern Ontario.
“Our youth compassion groups will consist of discussions about problematic substance abuse, human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” said Cristina Scarpellini, Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking founder.
"We’re gonna' have a piece that’s called 'I am enough' and 'positive masculinity,' and for the service providers workshop we’re going to deliver innovative and educational workshops in person and online to service providers working with youth. These workshops will provide the necessary tools to recognize, identify, respond and prevent sex trafficking of youth."
Changes to strengthen the Civil Remedies Act passed under the 2020 Smarter and Stronger Justice Act allow personal property, such as cash or cars used by criminals for illegal activities, to be forfeited without a court order in cases where no interested person disputes the forfeiture.
“Crime should never pay, and these seized funds will help communities support victims of crime and fight back to break the cycle of offending,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing.
Another northern organization being recognized is the Nishnawbe Aski Police Services, which is receiving $99,000 for a mobile surveillance package that will provide service with the critical tools needed to disrupt criminal activities associated with the current drug crisis in rural and remote First Nations communities.
In 2020, the Ontario government spent $2.5 million in cash and proceeds from crime to support 33 local projects aimed at fighting human trafficking in communities across the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6945600.1719608806!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
WestJet warns of travel disruption as mechanics union opts to 'continue with strike action'
WestJet says its mechanics went ahead with their previously threatened strike on Friday evening, and the airline is 'outraged.'
Minivan slams into a Long Island nail salon, killing 4 and injuring 9, fire official says
A minivan slammed into a Long Island nail salon Friday, killing four people and injuring 9, a Suffolk County fire official said.
Ontario MPP removed from PC caucus over 'serious lapses in judgment'
Premier Doug Ford has removed a member of his caucus due to what he’s describing as 'serious lapses in judgment.' In a statement released Friday morning, the premier’s office said MPP Goldie Ghamari had been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus 'effective immediately.'
Martin Mull, hip comic and actor from 'Fernwood Tonight' and 'Roseanne,' dies at 80
Martin Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including 'Roseanne' and 'Arrested Development,' has died, his daughter said Friday.
Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan to become first woman to lead Canadian Armed Forces
Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan will be named Canada's new Chief of the Defence Staff, CTV News has learned, making her the first woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces.
Multivitamins don't help you live longer, study suggests
Millions of people who take multivitamins everyday may not be reaping the perceived health benefits, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Is marriage harder than it was 10 years ago? Why one psychologist thinks so
Marriage might be the oldest institution in the world, but it's struggling to adapt to the pressures of modern life. Registered psychologist Adisa Azubuike explains why it's more difficult today.
Five survivors from Sudbury, Ont., rescued in human trafficking investigation
Six people have been charged in a provincial human trafficking investigation that identified five survivors from Greater Sudbury.