The Manitoba government has announced that it will provide $150,000 to support Tracia’s Trust 12 regional teams that do vital work in communities to address sexual exploitation and trafficking. The announcement was made by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, at a tree planting ceremony to honour Tracia Owen at the Legislative Building.
“As we gather to honour Tracia’s life, we also reaffirm our government’s commitment to addressing and preventing youth sexual exploitation,” said Fontaine. “This tree will stand in memory of her life and serve as a lasting symbol of our shared responsibility to protect children and youth from sexual exploitation and human trafficking.”
This additional funding will be used in communities across the province to host local events honouring Owen and educating Manitobans about preventing sexual exploitation, the minister added.
The Manitoba government is currently engaging with community partners, First Nations, law enforcement and those with lived experience to revitalize the strategy and ensure it remains effective and relevant in protecting youth in 2025 and beyond, the minister noted. She added feedback from these engagements will outline the strategy’s future priorities and lay the foundation for a renewed and robust effort to combat the evolution of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Manitoba.
The minister noted the Manitoba government will continue to work in partnership with communities, organizations, child and family service agencies and authorities, and law enforcement to address this complex and deeply rooted issue that demands ongoing collaboration, compassion and attention.
