The All-Party Parliamentary Group to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (APPG) co-chaired by Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen, held its AGM on Wednesday, May 22, in Ottawa.
During this meeting, the APPG released its 2023-24 Annual Report highlighting its sixth year of activities and partnership with the International Justice and Human Rights Clinic (IJHRC). The meeting also featured presentations from clinicians on their latest research as well as a presentation from Nicole Barrett, Director of the IJHRC.
The APPG was established in 2018 by 40 MLA’s and Senators from across all political parties and is led by four co-chairs from the Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, and an Independent Senators Group.
The four co-chairs are:
- Arnold Viersen, Conservative Party of Canada, Peace River – Westlock MP.
- Julie Miville-Dechêne, Independent Senators Group, Independent Senator for Quebec.
- John McKay, Liberal Party of Canada, Scarborough – Guildwood MP.
- Andréanne Larouche, Bloc Québécois, Shefford MP.
Officials with the APPG say their biggest achievement so far has been the establishment of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Feb. 22
photo provided by the office of MP Arnold Viersen
Efforts being made by the APPG to bring awareness to issues caused by modern slavery and human trafficking in 2023-24 include:
- May 2023 – Briefing on Lessons from Quebec in the Fight Against Sex Trafficking.
- Aug. 2023 – Meeting with UN Special Rapporteur on Modern Slavery.
- Fall 2023 – Assisting in Securing Human Trafficking Conviction.
- Feb. 22, 2024 – Recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
- Feb. 2024 – Meeting with Survivor Leaders of Human Trafficking
- April 2024 – Briefing on Canadian Demand for Online Child Exploitation in the Philippines
The APPG Co-chairs say they will continue to work across political lines and welcome all interested Parliamentarians to join them in their efforts to end modern slavery once and for all.
