Human trafficking is happening in Ontario and MPP Laurie Scott is fighting against it.
Scott is the Ontario PC Critic for Women’s Issues and she was in North Bay Thursday to talk about the Saving the Girl Next Door Act.
She says they need to hit home the fact that young girls are being lured from small towns and communities. She says it’s not just a big city problem, or the 401 corridor, where they are being trafficked along; it is everywhere. The act has three main sections to combat what Scott says is the modern day form of slavery.
The first section addresses awareness for human trafficking. The bill would provide for more public understanding and education about human trafficking and its consequences.
The second part would expand current legislation to have an immediate impact. This would make it possible for a protection order and would force the perpetrator to stay away from the victim for a minimum of three years. Failure to do so would invoke a fine of up to $50,000, jail time, or both.
The third part of the bill would expand the definition of “sex offence.” This would include offences related to the trafficking or purchasing of sexual services of anyone under 18-years-old.
Scott says human trafficking is happening all over Ontario because criminals look to the web to find their victims. She says these pimps will find a young girl on Facebook who is having a bad day and stalk her to a party. They would convince the girl they could have a better life if they left their home.
Scott says the girls are trapped in a matter of days and their families are threatened.
Scott says it can take up to three years before a victim can begin healing and get their life back on track.
