Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking
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Overview
In January 2025, the Government of Canada appointed Jennifer Richardson as Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking, for a term of three years.
As Chief Advisor, Ms. Richardson will provide ongoing advice and recommendations to the Minister of Public Safety on the Government of Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking and bring awareness both domestically and internationally. Her expanded mandate now includes working with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous partners to advance Calls for Justice with respect to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Mandate
- Engage with key domestic and international stakeholders and Indigenous partners to identify best practices as well as opportunities for collaboration, intervention, and information sharing;
- Provide recommendations to the Minister of Public Safety on how to respond to emerging trends;
- Provide support and non-binding advice to the Minister of Public Safety on the Government of Canada’s anti-human trafficking efforts, including the establishment of a survivors advisory committee;
- The Chief Advisor may also sit as an ex-officio member of a survivor advisory committee in order to co-chair meetings and liaise with the Department on behalf of the survivor advisory committee;
- Increase awareness of the crime through engagement and public speaking opportunities in domestic and international fora, upon the request of the Minister of Public Safety;
- Work with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous partners to advance the Calls for Justice related to human trafficking, following the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including collaborating with existing networks and partners. Relevant Calls for Justice include (but may not be exclusive to): 3.4, 7.3, 7.9, 8.1, 11.2, 12.12, 12.14, 16.24.
Biography of Jennifer Richardson, BSW, MSW, RSW
With over twenty four years working in the anti-human trafficking sector, Jennifer Richardson is considered an expert in her field, with extensive knowledge of human trafficking in Canada. She is known for her research on sexual exploitation, and for her innovation in leading partnerships across sectors.
Jennifer was the first Director of Ontario’s Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Coordination Office. Jennifer oversaw the development, implementation, and review of Ontario’s response to human trafficking from its inception in 2016 until May 2022. Jennifer is currently working with Ontario’s Native Women’s Association as their Senior Director of Strategy and Communications. She works closely with Indigenous communities, local organizations across Ontario, policing stakeholders, all levels of government and other jurisdictions to coordinate efforts with the shared aim of providing survivors access to the right services when they are needed.
Jennifer has been responsible for helping prevent at-risk people from being trafficked, meaningfully engaging survivors, and encouraging innovation and community partnerships. She was instrumental in launching the first in Canada, Lived Experience Round Table which provides advice and guidance to the Ontario Government’s response to human trafficking.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, Ontario participated in two Human Trafficking Tri-Laterals with Canada, USA and Mexico. The Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy was highlighted in a Special Interest featured in the 2018 US Trafficking in Persons Report.
She holds a Bachelor and Masters of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, with her research focusing on child exploitation and abuse investigations.
Prior to moving to Ontario, Jennifer was the Provincial Senior Manager of Manitoba’s Strategy to prevent Sexual Exploitation/Human Trafficking for several years. She developed and was responsible for the first jointly operated child welfare and law enforcement child sex trafficking program with the government of Manitoba, Winnipeg Police and RCMP D Division. Jennifer was instrumental in utilizing the Child and Family Services Act to charge offenders who were harbouring and sexually exploiting children. Jennifer has developed and managed several programs, campaigns and initiatives designed for exploited/trafficked youth, women, and families affected by sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Among other scholarly materials, risk assessment tools, and articles she has authored, Jennifer is the primary author of the Understanding and Working with Sexual Exploited/Sex Trafficked Children/Youth which she has trained all over Canada and the United States to diverse, multi-sectoral participants.
Jennifer is a lecturer and presenter at many local, national and international venues, which include law enforcement, child welfare, government and community sectors.
Jennifer has been nominated and awarded many awards such as the RCMP Award of Distinction, Human Rights Award and was nominated twice for the prestigious Ian Logan Award. Jennifer was also designated as a Canadian expert on child sex trafficking by the US State Department, attending an international leadership exchange program.
Lastly, Jennifer uniquely understands the barriers and challenges that face victims of human trafficking as she too was a victim of human trafficking for many years. Jennifer works to create positive change within policy, systems and programs so that people who are being trafficked are more able to access the services and support that are needed.
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