Human trafficking is happening in Ontario and our local MPP is fighting against it.
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes- Brock MPP Laurie 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 the 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.
(Written by: Matt Sookram)