The Ontario government is investing more than $15.3 million over five years in new programs to provide more young victims and survivors of human trafficking in Northern Ontario with the services they need.
The funding will support services in Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, as well as five remote and 11 rural First Nation communities.
The Kenora Chiefs Advisory is one of the groups benefiting with wrap-around, culturally appropriate programming for Indigenous children and youth aged 13 to 24.
This will include one-on-one support, counselling, referrals and mental health assistance.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association is another organization receiving funding.
A youth response team of specialized workers and peer mentors with lived experience will be established to provide early intervention, street-based outreach, immediate response and referrals in 10 locations, including Sioux Lookout and Kenora.
Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services is also named in Tuesday’s provincial announcement.