Bolstering efforts to combat human trafficking
Press Release
Feb 21, 2025
Alberta’s government is awarding $5.5 million in grant funding to 19 organizations working to stop human trafficking and empower survivors.
Feb. 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and Alberta’s government is reaffirming its commitment to combatting this unthinkable crime. Human trafficking is a violation of fundamental human rights that takes advantage of vulnerable people, subjecting victims to forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and trauma, affecting individuals and communities across the province.
Alberta’s government recognizes the urgent need to address human trafficking and provide comprehensive supports for survivors. Introduced in December 2024, the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant helps organizations prevent human trafficking, protect at-risk people and empower survivors. Since being introduced, organizations that play a critical role in ending human trafficking and supporting survivors have applied for the grant and 19 will receive funding to support their critical work.
“Human trafficking leaves lasting scars on victims, survivors and communities. We are taking a strong stance against traffickers and bolstering support networks for survivors. This funding will empower community-based organizations to provide specialized services that protect vulnerable individuals and disrupt the cycle of exploitation. With these community grants, we are ensuring traffickers are held accountable and survivors have the support they need from organizations such as The Alberta Centre to rebuild their lives.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Collaboration and community partnerships are vital to combatting human trafficking. These grants strengthen the capacity of organizations to work with law enforcement, non-profits and Indigenous communities to deliver critical supports where they are needed most. These grants provide resources to empower survivors with the tools and services they need to recover and thrive. By investing in prevention, we are addressing the root causes of trafficking and reducing exploitation in our communities.
The Combatting Trafficking in Persons grants focus on three areas: prevention, protection and empowerment. Funded projects aim to prevent human trafficking by increasing public awareness of its signs and risk factors, supporting community engagement and fostering collaboration. Protection efforts will provide emergency support and help victims navigate legal and health care systems, while empowerment initiatives will assist survivors through peer support networks, skill-building programs and advocacy efforts.
“With the Alberta Centre leading the way, we now have a dedicated, community-led organization working in partnership with the Government of Alberta and focused on disrupting trafficking networks and empowering survivors. This centre brings hope for vulnerable individuals and a safer future for all Albertans. Our work is focused on empowering those affected by trafficking, disrupting networks of exploitation, and fostering safer, more resilient communities.”
Paul Brandt, founder and CEO, #NotInMyCity, and co-chair, Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons
“With the funding from the Government of Alberta, RESET Society of Calgary will increase the capacity within our program and decrease our waitlist to support survivors as they transition from situations of sex trafficking to healing, empowerment and sustaining stable lives for themselves and their children. Proactive initiatives like this from the Alberta government will bring agencies and partners together to provide critical trauma-informed programs and supports.”
Theresa Jenkins, executive director, RESET Society of Calgary
“Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) is thankful to the Alberta government for its ongoing commitment to address human trafficking in Alberta and for support to continue our work to prevent human trafficking in friendship centre communities across the province. ANFCA looks forward to working in partnership with our member friendship centres, the Alberta government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking in the province.”
Jeannette MacInnis, director of partnerships, Alberta Native Friendship Centres
Priority consideration was given to initiatives that meaningfully include persons with lived experience of human trafficking, as well as Indigenous-led programs. This approach ensures that funding supports culturally relevant, survivor-centered services with the greatest impact on vulnerable populations.
Quick facts
- The 19 organizations receiving provincial funding include:
- Alberta Native Friendship Centres
- ALERT
- Buckspring Foundation
- Catholic Social Services
- CEASE
- Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
- Chiniki First Nation
- Goodstoney First Nation
- HER Victory
- Hull Services
- Kainai Transition Centre Society
- Métis Nation of Alberta
- Narrow Road Society
- REACH
- RESET Society
- Salvation Army
- The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons
- Tsuut’ina Nation
- Waypoints
- Recipients of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant must be located in Alberta. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be one of the following:
- A registered not-for-profit/charitable organization in Alberta.
- A community-based coalition or network (with a designated fiscal agent).
- An Indigenous community, including Tribal Councils, First Nations and Metis Settlements.
Related information
Related news
- Empowering survivors of human trafficking (Dec. 13, 2024)
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