Peel Region's anti-human trafficking initiative, nCourage, is set to announce a significant expansion on Monday, extending its reach to Brampton and Caledon and establishing a new hub at Pearson International Airport. The expansion brings two new partner organizations on board: Victim Services of Peel and Caledon Dufferin Victim Services, joining groups like the Elizabeth Fry Society and Our Place Peel.
Survivor's journey comes full circle
For Timea Nagy, founder of Timea's Cause and a human trafficking survivor, the new Pearson hub holds deep personal significance. Nagy was trafficked through Canada's busiest airport as a young woman from Hungary, lured by a false promise of a summer job before being forced into strip clubs under threats of violence. 'I actually have a tattoo of YYZ (Pearson's airport code) on my shoulder,' Nagy said. 'That's where I left my life behind and I found a new life. So being there for Monday's announcement means more than I can explain in words. It's very symbolic.'
Growing need for services
The expansion comes amid rising concern over human trafficking in the region. Peel Children's Aid Society CEO Mary Beth Moellenkamp reported a 40% increase this year in children and youth identified as potentially being trafficked. The Greater Toronto Area is believed to account for over 60% of Canadian human trafficking cases. 'As a system, we're becoming increasingly concerned about the exploitation of children and youth,' Moellenkamp said.
Vulnerability of children in care
Children and youth in the child welfare system are particularly vulnerable to traffickers due to their history of trauma, abuse, and neglect. 'They are often searching for a sense of belonging,' Moellenkamp explained. 'Mental health challenges, suicidal ideation—these are precursors that can make children and youth vulnerable. Without a preventive response that brings systems together, we will continue to react rather than proactively address the issue.'
Pearson hub: A strategic location
The Pearson airport hub offers a unique opportunity to intercept trafficking at a critical point. Moellenkamp noted that the airport is a 'unique intersection' with the child welfare system, where children arriving as unaccompanied minors or refugee claimants may be at risk. 'We respond to child protection concerns there. Sometimes you only have a few moments to have everyone there to help a child escape an exploitive situation,' she said.
Collaborative model gains global attention
Nagy praised the collaborative approach of nCourage, which she described as a model for similar programs worldwide. 'nCourage was born out of a community effort, with many organizations putting their heads together to ask, 'How can we do this together?' I have traveled the world and have not seen the collaboration and success that I have seen in Peel Region. It's that big of a deal.'
