This article originally appeared in yfile.
In July 2017, York University’s Centre for Feminist Research released a policy brief on human trafficking. Challenging Trafficking in Canada, edited by CFR Research Associate and Professor in Social Science Kamala Kempadoo and PhD candidate in Anthropology Nicole McFadyen, with assistance from Phillip Pilon, Andrea Sterling and Alex Mackenzie, and research contributions by York graduate students in Gender, Feminist and Women’s Studies, Development Studies and Socio-legal Studies.
The editors describe their goals in producing this groundbreaking work: “To go beyond sensationalism and heart-rending accounts of violence and to try to prevent more harm, we put together this policy brief, based on evidence and experiences. We draw on recent research undertaken in Canada by recognized (feminist) scholars as well as the expertise of community workers and organizations that are engaged with anti-trafficking around the country.
“We speak to the complexity of the issue, attempt to correct some of the common mistakes that circulate, and offer what we think are sound recommendations. We hope it offers an antidote to misinformation, exaggeration, and unfounded reports and that it can serve as a guide for people who are genuinely interested in creating a safe, just, and gender-equal world where human rights and dignity are respected for all.” Organizations that were consulted:
- Maggie’s Toronto Sex Worker Action Project
- No One Is Illegal (Toronto)
- PIVOT Legal Society (Vancouver)
- POWER (Ottawa)
- Stella, l’amie de Maimie (Montréal)
- SWAN Vancouver
Documents and other resources from the Canadian Council of Refugees, Butterfly: Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Network (Toronto), the Migrant Sex Worker’s Project (Toronto), the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, No More Silence (Ontario), and the Stepping Stone Association (Nova Scotia) were also consulted, with permission.
To learn more about the Centre for Feminist Research, visit the website.