Madam Speaker, modern day slavery and human trafficking are horrific forms of injustice that are extremely profitable and growing in Canada and around the world.
Today there are 25 million people around the world who are trapped in forms of modern day slavery, including forced labour and sex trafficking.
In Canada, we know the majority of human trafficking victims are young women. While the most at-risk include indigenous women and youth, the fact is that anyone can become a victim of human trafficking.
That is why today I am honoured to announce the launch of Canada's all-party parliamentary group to end modern day slavery and human trafficking. I have the pleasure to serve as co-chair alongside the member from Winnipeg Centre, the member from Abitibi—Témiscamingue, and Senator Dan Christmas.
Our group is also being launched in partnership with the Allard School of Law's International Justice and Human Rights Clinic and its director, Nicole Barrett.
We believe that by working across party lines, we can foster significant advances to end modern day slavery and human trafficking in Canada.