Bill C-268: Human Trafficking Tag

18 Jun 2010 Human Trafficking Bill (C-268) Becomes Law!

ARPA Canada is thrilled to learn that Bill C-268 has been passed by the Senate prior to the summer break. Now traffickers of minors will receive a minimum 5 year sentence.  For over a year we have been urging you to take action in support of this legislation. MP's and Senators have heard from Canadians and have responded. Here is an email message from MP Joy Smith, the sponsor of this bill, followed by a press release from Canada Fights Human Trafficking.
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16 Mar 2010 Joy Smith Gives Update on Bill C-268 (human trafficking)

Dear friends, I would like to provide you with an update on Bill C-268. This afternoon after 3:00pm EST, the Honourable Senator Yonah Martin will move Bill C-268 at Second Reading and give an opening speech. The next step is for the Liberal Opposition Senators to appoint a spokesperson for C-268. Following their speech this, Bill C-268 will be sent to a Senate Committee before returning to the Senate for Third Reading  and final approval. Again, I thank you for your continued support and efforts...

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01 Oct 2009 Child Trafficking Bill sent to Senate

Press Release (Sept 30, 2009) Office of Joy Smith, MP - Ottawa, ON:   Today, Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years), passed at Third Reading. Bill C-268 will now go to the Senate for consideration. “Today’s support for Bill C-268 reveals a clear indication that the majority of Members of Parliament understand the necessity of ensuring the traffickers of minors receive sentences that reflect the severity of this grave offence,” said MP Joy Smith. “Traffickers need to know that we will not accept the exploitation and sale of our children and any attempts to do so will be met with stiff consequences.”
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16 Sep 2009 Update on Human Trafficking Bill

By ARPA Canada (www.arpacanada.ca):  ARPA Canada was present as MP Joy Smith's Private Member's Bill C-268 was debated in the House of Commons today for Third Reading. The Bloc Quebecois brought forward a motion yesterday that proposed to drop an important section of the bill that would require minimum sentences for the trafficking of children. This motion was debated first. The BQ argued that the bill was "based on emotion" rather than reason. To this Smith replied that she and every other MP ought to emotionally care when the well-being of children is violated. She followed this with a passionate speech, calling for all MP's to vote down the BQ motion.
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26 Aug 2009 New: Petition to Support Bill C-268 (Against Human Trafficking)

MP Joy Smith is encouraging us to go beyond letters to our MP in support of C-268 and to collect signatures for the attached petition. Click here for more information on this bill. Consider printing off some copies for your church and sending them in soon as this bill is scheduled to be voted on when Parliament resumes this Fall....

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22 Apr 2009 Human Trafficking Bill Easily Passes First Vote in Parliament

ARPA Note: Thanks to all those who urged their MP to support this private member's bill. We will continue to watch it as it makes its way through the necessary stages on its way to becoming law.   News Release from Joy Smith: VOTE REVEALS STRONG SUPPORT FOR C-268 - Ottawa, ON:  Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, was delighted with the results of a vote today on Bill C-268 at Second Reading. Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years), passed at Second Reading by a vote of 232 in favour to 47 opposed.
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03 Apr 2009 Action Item: Check Out the New Website In Support of Bill C-268

Ottawa, ON: MP Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, is delighted with the launch of a new, Canadian-based anti-trafficking website and organization, Canada Fights Human Trafficking (CFHT). MP Smith has consistently advocated education and awareness as vital tools to combat the trafficking of women and children.
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