ARPA Note: This is one example of the increased awareness to an issue that results from your political efforts and letter-writing (in light of Joy Smith’s Bill 268 that became law earlier this year)
Globe and Mail, Sept 7, 2010: … to build on that, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced Tuesday morning a partnership with Crime Stoppers as part of a campaign – the Blue Blindfold campaign – aimed at reporting and raising awareness about human trafficking. He paid tribute to Ms. Smith for her work at a news conference. “This crime is disturbing and uncomfortable and it needs to be stopped,” Mr. Toews said, noting that Canada is not immune to human traffickers. [Read the whole article here.]
ARPA Canada is thrilled to learn that Bill C-268 has been passed by the Senate prior to the summer break. Now traffickers of minors will receive a minimum 5 year sentence. For over a year we have been urging you to take action in support of this legislation. MP’s and Senators have heard from Canadians and have responded. Here is an email message from MP Joy Smith, the sponsor of this bill, followed by a press release from Canada Fights Human Trafficking.
Dear friends,
Press Release (Sept 30, 2009) Office of Joy Smith, MP – Ottawa, ON: Today, Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years), passed at Third Reading. Bill C-268 will now go to the Senate for consideration. “Today’s support for Bill C-268 reveals a clear indication that the majority of Members of Parliament understand the necessity of ensuring the traffickers of minors receive sentences that reflect the severity of this grave offence,” said MP Joy Smith. “Traffickers need to know that we will not accept the exploitation and sale of our children and any attempts to do so will be met with stiff consequences.”
By ARPA Canada (www.staging.arpacanada.ca): ARPA Canada was present as MP Joy Smith’s Private Member’s Bill C-268 was debated in the House of Commons today for Third Reading. The Bloc Quebecois brought forward a motion yesterday that proposed to drop an important section of the bill that would require minimum sentences for the trafficking of children. This motion was debated first. The BQ argued that the bill was “based on emotion” rather than reason. To this Smith replied that she and every other MP ought to emotionally care when the well-being of children is violated. She followed this with a passionate speech, calling for all MP’s to vote down the BQ motion.
MP Joy Smith is encouraging us to go beyond letters to our MP in support of C-268 and to collect signatures for the attached petition. Click here for more information on this bill. Consider printing off some copies for your church and sending them in soon as this bill is scheduled to be voted on when Parliament resumes this Fall.