From the Deputy Minister’s Blog–I am pleased to share that March 13 – 19, 2022 has been proclaimed, Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness week in Manitoba by the Honourable Rochelle Squires.
In 2002, Manitoba launched Canada’s first provincial strategy to prevent sexual exploitation and human trafficking. This strategy is known as Tracia’s Trust, in honour of Tracia Owen who tragically died of suicide after being sexually exploited.
The Department of Families implements the provincial strategy to prevent sexual exploitation. Every year, the Manitoba government invests $15 million in initiatives through Tracia’s Trust that prevent and intervene in the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children, youth and adults in Manitoba.
We know that Indigenous women and girls experience particularly high rates of violence in Canada. Departmental staff work collaboratively with Indigenous and community-led organizations to advance culturally based efforts to help vulnerable Indigenous children and youth.
As we observe Stop Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness week, I am thankful for the many efforts of government staff, agencies, community members and non-government organizations in leading specific initiatives with a broad range of partners to address sexual exploitation and to provide support to those at risk.
Michelle Dubik
Deputy Minister
Department of Families
