Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response

In 2023, The Salvation Army’s commitment and desire to end modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) in Canada and Bermuda deepened as we experienced meaningful impact, new opportunities and immense expansion. We continue to stand firm in our commitment to serve and assist people with lived experience, their families and friends, while working to end the demand and MSHT.

Across the territory, our response work and programming includes education and training, prevention, outreach, emergency housing, short-term and long-term housing, live-in rehabilitation services, employment training, peer support, drop-in centres and case management.

To learn more about our locations, response work and the supports we provide, visit: https://salvationist.ca/human-trafficking/connect/program-directory/

New Initiative:

 The Salvation Army North York Temple Community Church is building confidence and self-esteem in teen girls through “Woven.”

 Woven is a weekly program for girls in Grades seven to 12. It works to prevent incidents of human trafficking by empowering young women through safe community and mentorship, developing self-efficacy while growing self-confidence, resilience and leadership skills. This program strengthens the areas in young lives that traffickers typically seek to exploit, such as social-isolation, low self-esteem, instability and lack of awareness about trafficking. Its foundations are built on relationship and creating a safe community where participants feel seen, known and loved.

“I have personally witnessed life transformation take place in some of the young women I have had the privilege of coming to know over the past two years. I’ve seen girls come out of their shell, share their hearts and lives with us, and be connected to the local church through volunteering. They also find new, healthy friendships, and support and healing through the encouragement of their program mentors and discussion group conversations.”

-Mikhaila Tao, director of Woven

 In 2023, The Salvation Army:

• participated in helping 53 survivors exit their human trafficking situations
• supported 605 survivors through our MSHT response work
• provided 10,930 people with MSHT education, awareness and/or training
• participated in 29 local and national MSHT task forces and coalitions

Photo: Getty Images