U.S. Exchange Program pairs Canadian Experts with U.S. Counterparts to Heal the Wounds of Human Trafficking

Tuesday, June 13, 2017
For Immediate Release

Canadian professionals in the fields of disability services, victim advocacy, and law enforcement will visit Washington, D.C., and other U.S. cities from June 19 to July 7 as participants in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The participants will explore synergies between the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and disability advocacy communities in developing trauma recovery resources for trafficking victims. The program is organized by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Participants will identify challenges and opportunities in the field of trauma recovery by observing how government, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations interact in the United States. Participants will improve their cross-border and intra-province networks and learn about ways to help TIP victims heal and reintegrate into society.

Participants in this program are:
• Anthony Morissette, Constable, Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, RCMP
• Isabelle Nelis, Crime Prevention Analyst, Quebec City Police Department, Unit of Strategic Affairs
• Bonnie Brayton, National Executive Director, Disabled Women’s Network of Canada
• Peter Moreira, Inspector, Toronto Police Service
• Larissa Maxwell, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Programs, The Salvation Army

The IVLP enables Canadians who are emerging leaders in their professional field to observe U.S. institutions, practices, and culture first-hand, and to meet with professional counterparts to explore issues of common interest. Founded in 1940, the IVLP has given hundreds of thousands of emerging leaders — including hundreds of Canadians — the opportunity to observe and interact with American culture and society on a personal level. For more information, visit http://eca.state.gov/ivlp.

Participants are available for interviews before and after the program upon request.