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In a significant move highlighting the intertwining issues of economic growth and community safety, Canada’s chief advisor on human trafficking has urged the federal government to incorporate stringent measures aimed at protecting women and girls from exploitation in conjunction with its plans to fast-track resource extraction projects. Jennifer Richardson, who has a personal history of trafficking, emphasised the heightened risks faced by Indigenous communities near large-scale mining and energy developments, particularly due to the influx of transient male workers.
Urgent Concerns for Indigenous Women and Girls
Richardson’s remarks come as Ottawa seeks to bolster its economy through the establishment of a new Major Projects Office, designed to expedite the approval processes for mining and energy initiatives to under two years. However, she warned that the economic prioritisation must not overshadow the welfare of vulnerable populations, especially Indigenous women and girls who are disproportionately targeted by sex traffickers.
“There is a responsibility for companies operating in these sectors to ensure their workforce does not contribute to local issues,” said Richardson. Her statements echo the fears expressed by Indigenous communities, who worry that the arrival of workers for major extraction projects may lead to increased violence and exploitation.
The connection between resource extraction and violence against Indigenous women has been documented extensively. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the concerning trend, noting that transient workers frequently linked to these projects contribute to an uptick in sexual harassment and violence in affected areas.
The Impact of Corporate Policies
While many companies profess to have policies addressing sexual harassment, there remains a significant gap between policy and practice. “It is not clear that these policies are being consistently implemented in a meaningful way,” the inquiry’s final report stated, indicating a pressing need for companies to not only establish but also enforce comprehensive safety protocols.
Richardson, who has previously spearheaded anti-trafficking strategies in Ontario and Manitoba, remarked that exploitation often occurs unnoticed. “It can happen in front of people all the time, and people don’t recognise it,” she explained, underscoring the need for greater awareness and proactive measures within communities.
A Model for Change: Woodfibre LNG
In a promising development, the Woodfibre LNG project near Squamish, British Columbia, has implemented a pioneering Gender and Cultural Safety Plan, described as a first for a major industrial project in Canada. This initiative includes a dedicated tip line for victims of trafficking and strict on-site conditions designed to deter exploitation.
“Multiple checkpoints at the work site make it extremely difficult to bring trafficked individuals into the area,” Richardson noted, praising the project’s efforts to create a safer environment. Woodfibre LNG aims to foster a worksite and surrounding community free from gender-based violence, harassment, and coercion, with over 9,000 workers undergoing mandatory gender safety training led by Indigenous trainers.
Collective Responsibility in Combatting Trafficking
Richardson, appointed as the federal government’s Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking in January 2025, emphasised that addressing trafficking requires a collaborative approach. The government’s forthcoming renewal of its National Strategy to Combat Trafficking can only be effective if companies actively participate in safeguarding local communities.
Trafficking of young women and children across Canada remains an alarming issue, with many being moved to areas with high demand for sexual services. “The government cannot tackle this issue alone,” Richardson asserted, calling on companies to take decisive action to protect those living in proximity to their operations.
Why it Matters
The intersection of resource extraction and the safety of local communities, particularly Indigenous women and girls, represents a critical issue that cannot be overlooked as Canada pursues economic development. The measures proposed by Richardson highlight the urgent need for systemic changes within the mining and energy sectors to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. As the country accelerates its resource projects, ensuring the safety and dignity of women and girls must be paramount, not only for ethical reasons but also to foster healthier, more resilient communities.