Thanks to Sylvia Mroz for forwarding this letter from the Joy Smith Foundation. This has been an area of concern for the CWL for many years.
February 9, 2022
Dear Friend,
I am writing today to share some important news. On January 27, 2022 the City of Winnipeg Council voted to end business licensing of body rub parlours and escort services. Winnipeg is the first major urban municipality in Canada to take this bold step against these types of businesses.
Over the past several months the Joy Smith Foundation worked closely with City representatives, partners, a federal human trafficking lawyer, and survivors who bravely shared their stories and experiences. Through advocacy, we were able to educate municipal leaders about the critical harm these businesses have on vulnerable youth and adults.
We applaud the City of Winnipeg for taking the initiative to listen and take action against body rub parlours and escort services. Their leadership will help end the victimization of trafficked victims and is an example for other municipalities to follow.
Another exciting development is that the City of Winnipeg is partnering with the National Human Trafficking Education Centre, an educational hub created by the Joy Smith Foundation in October 2021, to offer a free customized course will be available to Winnipeg grant recipients through Community Services, empowering those organizations involved with children or youth to recognize the signs of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The City of Winnipeg vote is a game changer and a significant step in the fight against human trafficking and the victimization of women, girls and boys. But it’s only the beginning, and there is much work to be done to encourage other municipalities to change their bylaws and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people. Your continued support of our work helps to make an impact, like we have seen with this historic vote.
On behalf of the Joy Smith Foundation, I invite you to join us in inspiring change across Canada. There are several different ways that you can get involved:
1.
Send a letter to your municipal leader asking them to end business licensing of
body rub parlours and escort services (click on send letter to see an example).
2.
Make a donation to the Joy Smith Foundation. These funds will be used to
provide Intervention and Prevention programs to protect Canadians from human
trafficking and support survivors from the point of rescue through the process of
finding justice and beyond.
3.
Take a course through the National Human Trafficking Education Centre and
encourage other friends and family members to do the same – education is our
greatest weapon.
Each of us has the power to make meaningful change through awareness, advocacy and giving caring support. Together, we can end human trafficking.
With appreciation,
Janet Campbell
President & CEO,