Provincial funding aims to help Wellington OPP combat human trafficking

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Ontario government is providing $160,240 in funding to Wellington OPP to help combat human trafficking and sexual violence.

The funding, announced on Jan. 27, will be spread over two years to aid police response and to support victims.

"Human trafficking and sexual violence is not just a big-city problem," states a press release from Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece.

He thanked local police for their "leadership in this area" and said he is pleased the province is supporting the invaluable work.

“We must put a stop to human trafficking,” said Pettapiece.

Wellington County OPP Inspector Paul Richardson said the force is pleased to receive the funding.

“We look forward to working with our service partners to combat human trafficking and sexual violence in our communities," said Richardson.

"This grant will assist us in preventing potential victimization in our community.”

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said the province is spending $2.8 million through the Community Safety and Policing (CSP) Grant to help police services combat crime and keep communities safe.

“Gun and gang violence and other serious crimes are not limited to large urban centres..." stated Jones.

“That is why our government continues to provide police services with the tools and resources they need to fight and prevent crime and hold criminals accountable.”

Officials say the funding is in addition to $195 million the province is already providing through local and provincial funding streams of the CSP grant program over three years.

"It also builds on the province’s $112 million Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy as well as its new comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking," officials state.