TORONTO, Ontario — (CANADIAN CHRISTIAN NEWS SERVICE) — Castle Quay Books is pleased to announce the release of its newest social issues title — The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking.
This is the true story of the world of human trafficking in Canada. For years many people refused to believe that human trafficking was happening here in innocent, safe Canada to our very own Canadian girls. But they were wrong! It is estimated that between 12 and 27 million people are currently caught in human trafficking globally, with almost 2 million in the USA and Canadian stats show that tens of thousands are exploited for their labour or sexual services right across our own country.
To begin combating the monstrosities represented by these numbers, it is essential that we recognize that trafficking is an industry and the sex trade is a business, and we must be aware of how it operates and how to defeat it.
This story chronicles the perspective of trafficking’s victims, the actual methods used for recruiting girls, the men who use them, the men who knowingly and sometimes unknowingly fuel the industry and the brave politicians and organizations who are in a constant fight to stop the industry and keep our nation strong and free from it.
The story revolves around Abby Summers, a high school student from Markham, Ontario, with a special love for soccer and normal dreams of a great future. She receives a message on social media from a new guy in school named Jake. The two form a friendship online. Abby begins to date Jake and falls for him quickly, even imagining a future together with him. As happens to many girls just like her, her hope suffers a bad turn when he convinces her to sell herself to men for one night. One night turns into many, with Jake convincing her to take a trip with him across Canada to make a lot of money for their future life together. When Abby finally wants out, she discovers she is trapped. That is the story of most of the girls caught in this trap in Canada.
Meanwhile, an Ottawa member of Parliament, Joy Smith, struggles to build support for a human trafficking bill to ensure that minimum sentences are given to anyone convicted of luring girls into sex slavery. It’s an uphill battle because many do not believe human trafficking is happening to Canadian girls. Joy struggles to get her bill passed while working together with police and Abby’s mother to rescue her from the underground prison of human trafficking.
What people are saying about this book:
“Joy Smith opened my eyes to the horror of human trafficking hidden in plain sight across Canada. Her work has saved lives, rescuing people from a life of degradation and loss of dignity. Read this book and join the movement to stop human trafficking.” – Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, Leader of the Green Party of Canada
“This powerful book shines a light on the very dark, insidious reality of human trafficking here in Canada. It could happen to anyone and presents a risk to all. This is a clarion call to action …” – Hon. Peter MacKay, Former Cabinet Minister, Partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP
“Thank you, Joy Smith, for giving Canada a reality check on the horrific crime of human trafficking. You have oftentimes stood alone in this hard fight for justice, and we are grateful that because of you Canada is a safer place for women and girls!” – Diane Redsky, Executive Director, MaMawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc., & Project Director of the National Task Force on Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada (2011-2015)
“This story as seen through the eyes of survivors will be an educational tool for Canadians. We cannot get enough education and awareness on this poignant issue.” – Scott Kolody, Assistant Commissioner, RCMP Manitoba
“Powerful and devastating! This book is a must-read for everyone who cares about the safety and well-being of our nation’s children and the systemic, malevolent sickness that targets them.” – Steve Bell, Singer-Songwriter & Author