The Joy Smith Foundation and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) are working together to bring additional focus and attention to the issue of forced labour and human trafficking in the trucking industry by developing tools that will go further than ever in eliminating its presence.
Human trafficking is one of the most harmful and hidden violations of human rights and, unfortunately, it’s alive and thriving in the trucking industry, manifesting itself as forced labour.
“It’s real, it’s destructive on so many levels, and it needs to end,” says Mark Bylsma, OTA Chair. “The Joy Smith Foundation has done tremendous work to ensure Canadians know the signs of forced labour and understand how to take action. OTA stands in solidarity with their efforts to eliminate forced labour in the Ontario trucking industry and we look forward to supporting this project.”
Building off the successes of initiatives underway in Manitoba, the Joy Smith Foundation has chosen to bring its expertise in fighting forced labour to Ontario, Canada’s largest trucking market. By focusing on industry specific data that flags the potential patterns of forced labour within the trucking sector, and the Foundation’s decade-long expertise in the issues of human trafficking, this most recent campaign has supported increased awareness and engagement among industry stakeholders, law enforcement, and members of the public.
“With this financial support from OTA, The Joy Smith Foundation will expand its already successful work in Manitoba into Ontario by collaborating with stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach and tools that strengthen awareness of forced labour risks within the trucking industry,” said Janet Campbell, President and CEO of The Joy Smith Foundation.
Human trafficking occurs in urban and rural communities, across provincial borders, and in many different settings. Labour trafficking, including situations involving coercion, exploitation, document confiscation, debt bondage, or threats against vulnerable workers, often remains hidden from public view. Greater awareness can help communities, employers, and frontline workers identify potential warning signs and connect victims with appropriate support services.
Knowledge is one of the strongest tools in prevention, and greater awareness can help protect vulnerable people from being lured, manipulated, coerced, and exploited. Law enforcement agencies across Ontario continue their dedication to stopping this harmful crime, protecting victims, and holding offenders accountable; and this effort is designed to further their ongoing work and the work so many other groups and individuals have dedicated their time to.
“We need as much attention as possible brought to this issue with as many resources that can be developed and disseminated,” said Geoff Wood, OTA’s Sr. VP, Policy. “The magnitude of the situation is overwhelming, but with commitment and by tackling the issue from all angles, it can be systemically dealt with and eliminated.”
The Joy Smith Foundation is a Canadian organization dedicated to preventing and ending human trafficking through education, awareness, intervention, and survivor support. Working with individuals, families, communities, businesses, law enforcement, and industry partners, the Foundation provides training and prevention programs that help Canadians recognize the warning signs of exploitation and understand how to respond safely. Through in-person and virtual workshops, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships across sectors, the Foundation empowers communities to identify, and report suspected trafficking, support victims and survivors, and help prevent exploitation. Its work has been instrumental in raising awareness of human trafficking across Canada and promoting the message that education, vigilance, and collaboration are key to protecting vulnerable individuals and combating this serious human rights issue.
For more information on The Joy Smith Foundation, visit http://www.joysmithfoundation.com
For more information on OTA’s stop illegal trucking campaign visit – https://stopillegaltrucking.ca/en/ota-home