The provincial government is taking steps to strengthen efforts in Niagara to protect victims, support survivors and hold human trafficking offenders accountable.
The province has proposed changes to the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy Act and the Accommodation Sector Registration of Guests Act.
If passed, the changes would provide support to survivors in obtaining restraining orders against traffickers, and increase the government's ability to collect non-personal data in order to better respond to human trafficking.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff is speaking in support of the changes.
"This legislation will provide important tools to our law enforcement partners to crack down on traffickers in communities in Niagara and across the province. To survivors and those being trafficked: we hear you and will continue doing what is needed to protect and support you."
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod is also in favour of the amendments.
"As Ontario's minister for heritage, sport, tourism and culture I'm committed to ensuring this criminal activity is prevented in our hotels, motels, short term rentals and at our convention and meeting spaces. To protect those vulnerable women we must have a whole of government approach."
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