Bill 182 2009

An Act to proclaim Stop Human Trafficking Day

Preamble

Human trafficking occurs when someone is sold by, or forced to work for, a smuggler. The United Nations estimates that at any given time there are 2.5 million victims of human trafficking worldwide.

In 2000, the UN General Assembly introduced the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, ratified by 117 countries.  Canada signed this protocol in May 2002.  In 2005, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons) was enacted.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police estimate that each year, there are between 600 and 800 victims of human trafficking in Ontario and another 1,500 to 2,000 victims are trafficked through Canada to the United States.

It is appropriate for Ontarians to recognize victims of human trafficking. Proclaiming Stop Human Trafficking Day provides the opportunity to affirm our objection to this heinous act and to educate the public on the abusive nature of human trafficking.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Stop Human Trafficking Day

   1.  May 1 in each year is proclaimed as Stop Human Trafficking Day.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Stop Human Trafficking Day Act, 2009.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims May 1 in each year as Stop Human Trafficking Day.