Hi everyone! Here’s your biweekly update before we head out for the Holidays!
JUST Committee Studies Mandatory Minimums for Child Sexual Exploitation
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST) is examining mandatory minimum sentences for child sexual exploitation offences, looking at their effectiveness in protecting children and supporting survivor-centered justice.
Link: https://www.ourcommons.ca/documentviewer/en/45-1/JUST/report-1
FEWO to Study Human Trafficking
The Status of Women Committee (FEWO) will hold at least four meetings on human trafficking of women and girls, exploring prevention, law enforcement tools, survivor supports, and public awareness efforts.
Link: https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/FEWO/meeting-20/minutes
Senate Report on Youth in Care
A new Senate report highlights gaps for youth aging out of foster care, including risks of homelessness and exploitation, and calls for better coordination of social supports and trauma-informed approaches.
Link: https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-45-1/ridr-aging-out-foster-care/
Rising Trafficking Reports in Nova Scotia & Guelph
Nova Scotia reports human trafficking at nearly three times the national average, while Guelph’s high incident rate reflects increased reporting and investments in specialized police units.
Parliament is on Holiday
Parliament is currently on holiday. Members of Parliament are expected to return to the House of Commons on January 26, 2026, and the Senate is scheduled to resume sittings on February 3, 2026. Committee work and legislative activity will resume following these dates.
Thanks for tuning in, and we look forward to continuing these biweekly bulletins in the New Year! We wish you all a joyful holiday season and a great start to 2026! See you soon!
Holly Wood
Research & Advocacy Coordinator