“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that violates fundamental human rights, exploits vulnerable individuals and perpetuates cycles of abuse. It has devastating and lasting impacts on survivors, their families and communities, and demands a coordinated and unwavering response. Since 2023, Alberta’s government has provided more than $11 million in funding to anti-trafficking organizations across the province to build a trauma-informed network of support services. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement and community partners to identify and address service gaps so that survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

“Ending gender-based violence and exploitation requires all of us to play a role. On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Alberta is reaffirming its commitment to protecting those at risk by raising awareness, supporting survivors, and working with community organizations and partners to prevent exploitation before it occurs. Together, these efforts help identify those in need and advance our government’s work to build safer communities for women, girls and vulnerable Albertans across our province.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

" It is especially devastating that children and youth are so often targeted by those who seek to exploit them. Our government continues to invest in prevention efforts, raise awareness and strengthen supports for survivors through women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and child and youth advocacy centres to protect vulnerable individuals and support their healing.”

Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

“Human trafficking is not an issue that exists on the margins of communities. It is happening across Canada, and it disproportionately affects Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit Plus people. As leaders make decisions about community safety, economic development and the future of their communities, we cannot ignore the conditions that allow exploitation to take root. Building strong communities means partnering with them to create environments where exploitation and violence have no place. We stand with survivors, families and advocates working to end exploitation and create safer communities for future generations.”
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

“Human trafficking affects communities across Alberta, often going unseen in everyday settings and hiding behind online scams. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we remember that behind every statistic is a person: someone born with inherent dignity, deserving of freedom and safety. As Alberta’s coordinating body partnering with the provincial government, the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons collaborates with frontline agencies and the public to combat sex, labour and organ trafficking. We are closing gaps through a ‘no-wrong-door’ response that supports survivors with dignity. This year’s theme, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam,’ urges us to protect victims of forced criminality and dismantle exploitation networks. Together, through coordinated action, we are building an Alberta free from human trafficking.”

Paul Brandt, chair, Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons

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