Joy Smith
Founder of “The Joy Smith Foundation”
“Rescue our Youth from Human Trafficking”
Joy Smith B.Ed, M.Ed, was a teacher for 23 years, a Member of the Manitoba legislature from 1999-2003, and a Member of Parliament from 2004-2015.
She first became aware of human trafficking from her police officer son, who was working in the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE). Over the years she has helped many young victims who have been exploited or trafficked by their abusers.
Joy Smith’s faith caused her to answer the call of God on her life regarding this injustice.
In Parliament, Joy Smith made Canadian history as the first sitting MP to amend the Criminal Code twice, passing Bill C- 268, mandatory minimum sentencing for trafficking of children 18 years and younger, and Bill C-310, which reaches Canadian law into other countries where Canadian citizens or permanent residents traffic or exploit others abroad. These laws provide an incentive for survivors to testify against their abusers, knowing their perpetrators will be brought to justice under Canadian law. In addition, Joy Smith wrote the prototype for the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking here in Canada. She also took a leadership role in Bill C-36, making the purchase of sex illegal in Canada today and reducing the demand for human trafficking.
Joy Smith is known as a leading advocate against human trafficking worldwide, and a champion of women’s rights. She has received many awards, including the Woman of Distinction Award, the Wilberforce Award, the United Nations Recognition of Achievement Award, The My Canada Hero Award, the Winnipeg Police Commendation Award, and the Citizen of the Year Award. In 2011, she founded the “Joy Smith Foundation”, where she tirelessly volunteers her time combating human trafficking, and fighting for the rights of women in Canada and around the globe.
Joy was moved to action by personally meeting victims of human trafficking and coming to understand that traffickers prey on children from every demographic, community and neighbourhood in Canada.
The Joy Smith Foundation is a registered charity which seeks to end human trafficking in Canada, by raising awareness through education, and by providing funds to front-line organizations that rescue and rehabilitate victims of this heinous crime.