Trucks roll out anti-human trafficking message
A 53-foot trailer with some strong anti-human trafficking messaging was parked at Sudbury Arena downtown on Thursday.
The Women's Trucking Federation of Canada is travelling across the county on a ‘No Human Trafficking Campaign.’
"We just felt that there wasn't a lot of public awareness pieces and the trucks make a fabulous billboard," said Shelley Walker, the federation’s CEO.
“They travel all over not just Ontario, but Canada and the U.S. So they are spotted everywhere and that's important, right, because it makes people think of the Women's Trucking Federation of Canada.”
Executive director Samantha Clarke said she hopes that visibility helps with awareness.
"I think people just don't understand what it is and that's what we are about … spreading the awareness bringing forth the education,” Clarke said.
“We have an amazing online module that really explains and shows people what this horrific crime is."
Several community organizations came out to support the federation’s efforts.
"People don't necessarily know what is happening in our community," said Lana Tremblay Lavergne, of Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers.
“So people tend to think, ‘Oh, that is not happening here.’ As human trafficking is sort of exploiting the internet more and more to do the trafficking, it’s become more and more invisible.”
Tiffany Pyoli York, the anti-human trafficking coordinator with Sudbury and Area Victim Services, said there are some telling signs.
"If a person is not willing to do what they are doing,” she said.
“If it seems like they are being forced, ask those direct questions. Are you safe? Are you OK? Do you need my help?"
The federation encourages people to visit its website for free online training about human trafficking -- how to recognize it and take action.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.