On 21 November, 2010, Canada Government introduced a new act, named the Preventing Trafficking, Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Immigrants Act. The purpose behind reintroduction of this legislation is to provide protection to the foreign workers like dancers, who are much vulnerable or could be easily exploitable or likely to become victims of human trafficking in Canada.

The legislation brings about major amendments which would be instrumental in protecting girls and women from falling in traps or victimization. While introducing the bill, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister of State for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose said that women should be treated with respect and dignity in all communities. The bill opposes any kind of violence, abuse and exploitation when it comes to women.

The Canadian government is now seeking the support of the Parliament to join them in passing the bill to make it an act. The legislation is also likely to give immigration officers greater authority to deny work permits to vulnerable overseas workers who are being sent to Canada to work in embarrassing or low-graded situations. There are many instances where women were being brought into Canada only to make them work as exotic dancers. The new legislation will help Canada protect such immigrants, who are exposed to human traffickers.

The Preventing Trafficking, Abuse and Exploitation of Vulnerable Immigrants Act was announced on November 21 by Rona Ambrose; and MP for Kildonan-St. Paul, Joy Smith, representing the Canadian Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney.

If the proposed bill becomes a act in Canada, it will certainly protect many innocent people, especially women who fell in trap of ill-intentioned people or unexpected situations! For more information on immigration front, stay tuned to Abhinav Blog!