SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Ontario government is putting some money toward the fight against human trafficking in Sault Ste Marie. Algoma Family Services will receive $1.2 million over the next five years through the province’s anti-human trafficking strategy focused on children and youth.
The money will be used to provide easier access to support for young victims and survivors of human trafficking in and around Sault Ste Marie. This includes individual councelling for at-risk children and youth ages 11 to 17, support services for vulnerable populations such as racialized people and newcomers, as well as intensive services for victims and their families.
"The average age for those who are trafficked is 13 years old," said Ali Juma, chief executive officer of Algoma Family Services. "Two-thirds of trafficking that actually happens in Canada is in Ontario and there’s a disproportionate number of those who are victims that are Indigenous."
A statistic provided by the Ontario government said "more than 70 per cent of known human trafficking victims identified by police are under the age of 25 and 28 per cent are under the age of 18."
Sault Area Hospital’s Addictions and Mental Health Services department is a partner of Algoma Family Services. Staff members there said human trafficking is especially a concern in the Sault.
"Where we see Sault Ste Marie as particularly at risk because of the Trans Canada Highway, as well as the shipping lanes and knowing that we’re kind of the stop in between Toronto and Thunder Bay. We definitely see individuals that we’re trying to support both from Sault Ste Marie and individuals that end up passing through Sault Ste Marie," said Lisa Case, the director of clinical mental health and addiction programs at Sault Area Hospital.
Ross Romano, Sault Ste. Marie MPP and Minister of Colleges and Universities, said many victims are exploited through drug addiction.
"Many victims are impressionable and can be lured through drug addiction and dependence on their trafficker," Romano said. "This investment in Algoma Family Services will provide more specialized supports for children and youth so they can get the help they need and stay safe."
Jill Dunlop, the associate minister of children and women's issues, said the province is "taking strong action to address child sex trafficking."
"By investing in dedicated supports for children and youth and proposing legislative changes, we are making prevention and early intervention a top priority so we can help more young people who are exiting trafficking heal from the trauma and reduce the risk of re-exploitation," Dunlop said.
Meantime, Juma has a clear message regarding human trafficking.
"People are going to hear about the work we’re going to do to support those who have been trafficked, particularly the children and youth who have been exploited," Juma said. "Most of all, we want to let human traffickers know that your business isn’t welcome in Algoma and we’re going to make our best efforts to ensure that it doesn’t happen."
If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking or sexual exploitation, there is help available:
