Subject: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Moved By: The Most Rev. Anne Germond
Seconded By: The Ven. Robert Camara

Be it resolved that this General Synod:  

1. Condemn the ongoing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery and commit to working for their elimination in Canada and globally;
2. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to constructively engage all levels of government on relevant policy areas to combat human trafficking, slavery and enforced migration;
3. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to develop, promote and disseminate liturgical, theological and educational materials related to combatting human trafficking, slavery and enforced migration;
4. Urge dioceses and Ecclesiastical Provinces to continue building relationships with local and regional networks combatting human trafficking, slavery and exploitation;
5. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to maintain and support a national network of Canadian Anglicans engaged in this work and to liaise with relevant ecumenical, interfaith and Communion bodies.

Source: Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice Coordinating Committee and Partners in Mission Coordinating Committee  

Submitted By: Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice Coordinating Committee                 

Does this motion contain within it any financial implications?      Yes     No

If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications?   Yes    No

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND

Canada is a source, transfer and destination country in the trafficking of human beings where the two main forms of trafficking are for sexual exploitation and enforced labour. The average age of female victims for sexual exploitation is 13.5 years. Poor urban children and teens, especially girls, and Indigenous women and girls are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. The overwhelming majority of people trafficked in Canada are born in Canada.

Since June 2017 the Global Relations and Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice have actively engaged Anglicans across Canada in order to enhance local capacity to take action on the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery. Three regional events have been held, with a fourth event planned for April 2019. These gatherings have brought together the expertise of people with lived experience, service providers, and advocacy organizations to offer in-depth learning on these issues and how local communities can respond. Participants in these gatherings have, in turn, developed local educational events, submitted articles to their diocesan papers, established relationships with local agencies working in this area, and brought motions to diocesan and provincial synods. Seeds continue to be planted for ongoing work in this area.

PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION (G)

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and voting together. Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass. 

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses. A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour. 

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.