*2.0* CPEs: Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking ("MSHT") in Canada

The Salvation Army stands firmly behind individuals impacted by slavery and human trafficking and is committed to the eradication all forms of slavery and trafficking by advocating for legislative change in governments, opening over 100 global safe houses to help those fleeing exploitative circumstances, providing platforms for people with lived experience to speak into and lead change, and engaging in preventative, protection, and support efforts.

MSHT is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to an estimated 40.3 million people around the world, including 20.9 million people who are forced into different forms of labour and sex trafficking.

People read statistics but don’t often engage with trafficking on a deeper level because they feel it is a problem that is happening “over there” in developing countries. Many think such exploitation, trauma and oppression could never happen here. As the old saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Yet, Canada is not immune to human trafficking. Today, in Canada, there is an estimated 17,000 people enslaved. Canada has been labelled internationally as a “destination country” for human-trafficking victims, a “transit country” through which victims are moved and a “source country” for recruiting potential victims. No matter where we live, chances are it is happening nearby.

 YOU WILL LEARN:

• The extent of modern slavery and human trafficking in Canada.
• How Indigenous women and girls have been sexually exploited from first contact with the explorers to Canada and the extent of their subjugation today.
• The breadth of modern slavery beyond human trafficking and how the two are linked
• How to recognize some of the trends, signs, risk factors and methods of recruitment
• The current considerations specific to Indigenous Peoples in providing support and services.
• How organizations like the Salvation Army assist in the prevention, support, protection and education around MSHT.

• • Barbara Carey serves as a Salvation Army officer in the province of Québec.  She has been working with The Salvation Army in social services for over 16 years. She a Social Services Consultant and a dedicated advocate for Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response at the Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters. Through her multifaceted roles, she remains steadfast in her commitment to combating exploitation and empowering individuals to reclaim their dignity and freedom.

  • Captain Crystal Porter is a Salvation Army Officer from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland, Canada). She holds a Masters of Theological Studies from NAIITS, an Indigenous Learning Community specializing in Indigenous Theology. Crystal is currently the Territorial Indigenous Ministries Consultant for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. She is an avid reader, loves spending time at the ocean and enjoys teaching and sharing her love for traditional Mi’kmaw beading and quillwork.

  • Dianna Bussey is a social worker within the Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services – Winnipeg, currently serving as the executive director.   She became aware and involved in anti oppression and restorative justice work early in her career through her education at Booth University College and then keenly aware of exploitation through journeying with individuals who have been exploited; work with the exploiters; families; and work with colleagues of the agencies and systems that respond to exploitation.  This made her passionate about fighting to end modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms.
    

  • Major Sandra Rowsell has been an Officer for 18 years serving in Church and Family Services Ministries in Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia.  She currently lives in Maple Ridge, BC and serves as the Divisional Secretary for Women's Ministries, Divisional Family Services Consultant and Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Response Advocate.

  • Valerie Pavey is a Children’s Ministries Consultant at the territorial headquarters in the Children and Youth Ministries Department. When asked if she would represent her department on the Territorial MSHT Response Committee, she was thrilled to say Yes! Being a part of this committee has been a great learning experience widening her knowledge and understanding of the MSHT battle and the need for everyone to join the fight. She wants others to see the need to reach out into our communities to educate and equip others in understanding what trafficking is, to know their value as individuals, and to provide them with safe spaces to seek help.

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