Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta Receives Funding to Continue Helping Victims of Crime

Government of Canada support will assist organization to provide services that address the needs of victims of human trafficking


EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Aug. 22, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

Today, Justice Minister Peter MacKay announced $318,745 in funding for the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta (ACT Alberta) to help the organization continue to provide a variety of services to victims of crime. Minister MacKay was joined by Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre.

Part of the funding will be used by the organization for a pilot project that will support dedicated part-time case coordinators in both Edmonton and Calgary. Staff will coordinate services for victims of human trafficking and will collect and analyze data and processes. This project will also inform the development of training materials and community-based protocols on how to best assist victims of human trafficking.

ACT Alberta has also received a Time-Limited Operational Funding grant available through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. The grant is intended to help non-government victim-serving organizations by covering operating expenses such as staff payroll, office space rental, and limited capital expenditures.

This funding announcement aligns with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, one of four priorities identified by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in January 2013. It also responds to the Government's Speech from the Throne 2013 commitment to introduce measures that will increase support for victims of crime.

Quick Facts

  • The funding will be provided as follows:

    • Pilot project for dedicated part-time case coordinators in Edmonton and Calgary
      2013 2014 - $25,000
      2014 2015 - $87,915
      2015 2016 - $125,830
      Total: $238,745

    • Time-Limited Operational Funding
      2014 2015 - $40,000
      2015 2016 - $40,000
      Total: $80,000
  • The funding is being provided through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.

Quotes

"Protecting those who are most vulnerable from exploitation by human traffickers is a priority of our Government. This commitment includes ensuring that there are not only strong penalties in place to punish those who exploit and abuse others, but also that we are providing support to organizations like ACT Alberta that have dedicated themselves to addressing the needs of victims of this heinous crime. This is a complex issue that we can only address by working with partners across the country. We wish ACT Alberta continued success as they take important steps to help individuals on their journey to healing. "

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay

"Our Government is proud to support groups like ACT Alberta, which respond to those who have been victims of human trafficking, a violation of their basic human rights. ACT Alberta's dedication to serving victims of human trafficking and providing input and advice to law enforcement, government agencies and non-governmental organizations is admirable. Together, we will put an end to human trafficking and continue to advocate for putting victims first."

Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centr, Laurie Hawn

"Victims of human trafficking have very complex needs, which may include immigration, legal, health, housing and other concerns. This funding allows us to coordinate services for victims and ensure people do not fall between the cracks. We bring together service providers and identify ways for community responses to be streamlined and collaborative. It takes a whole community to reach and assist our society's most vulnerable and exploited."

Andrea Burkhart, Executive Director, ACT Alberta

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Contact Information:

Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
613-957-4207