nCourage Expands Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Efforts in Mississauga, Brampton & Caledon
MISSISSAUGA, ON (May 11, 2026) – A significant expansion of anti-human sex trafficking work in Peel Region was announced today as nCourage will be launching a new hub located at Toronto Pearson International Airport along with service expansion into the City of Brampton and Town of Caledon. Led by Peel Children’s Aid Society (Peel CAS), in collaboration with community partners, the announcement comes at a critical time, as incidents of human sex trafficking continue to rise across the GTA.
“Since last year, 202 children and youth were identified by Peel CAS as being involved in human sex trafficking, underscoring the urgent need for earlier intervention and stronger system coordination,” said Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO, Peel CAS. “nCourage’s anti-human sex trafficking work is now fully integrated within the child welfare system, marking a critical shift from crisis response to proactive intervention.”
nCourage’s expansion includes the addition of two new partner organizations, Victim Services of Peel and Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services to further strengthen a coordinated, wraparound approach to service delivery. With 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originating in the GTA, the new nCourage hub at Toronto Pearson international Airport will serve as a strategic site for disrupting these incidents within a major transportation corridor.
“This integrated model will enable timely identification, coordinated intervention, and stronger protection at points of heightened vulnerability,” said Superintendent Lisa Hewison, Peel Regional Police, Pearson Airport Division and Board Chair, Peel Children’s Aid Society. “This is community safety in action as partners work together to protect and support children, youth, and families.”
As part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, nCourage is also launching a region-wide public awareness campaign: “If you see something, say something.” The campaign aims to empower community members to recognize the signs of human sex trafficking and take action. With the average age of recruitment into sex trafficking in Canada at just 13 years old, raising awareness is a critical tool in prevention.
Indicators that a young person may be at risk:
Isolation from family and friends
No phone, inconsistent phone, or more than one phone
The youth is always being monitored or controlled
They may not have identification on them
They cannot leave the current situation due to safety concerns
Dictated or restricted movement
Speaking in a rehearsed way
Someone speaks for them
Informed and engaged communities play a vital role in protecting children and youth. This campaign reinforces that everyone has a role to play in identifying risks, supporting victims and survivors, and helping to prevent exploitation before it happens. Learn more at nCourage.ca or call 905-866-2831. Help is available. If you are a victim or survivor of human sex trafficking or forced labour, or you know someone who is, contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca or at 1-833-900-1010. If you are concerned about the well-being of a child or youth please call your local children’s aid society. Service is available 24/7 and all calls are confidential.
Quotes
“We are proud to stand in support of nCourage’s expansion at a time when coordinated, community-based responses are essential with a renewed focus on prevention and advocacy for young people.” - Christy Upshall, CEO, Our Place Peel
“This work helps to further strengthen our shared commitment to providing trauma-informed support and ensuring women and girls at risk of exploitation have access to the resources and care they need.” – Debroah Riddle, Executive Director, EFry Hope and Help for Women
“Through collaboration with community partners, we are able to ensure individuals at risk of human sex trafficking are connected to immediate crisis response, advocacy, and wraparound services that promote safety, healing, and long-term stability.” – Steve Jacques, Commissioner of Human Services, Peel Region
“We continue to see traffickers use manipulation, coercion, and exploitation to target vulnerable individuals in our communities. Through our nCourage partners, we remain focused on providing immediate emergency support, safety planning, and critical resources that empower survivors to rebuild their lives.” - Sarah Rogers, Executive Director, Victim Services of Peel
“Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services is proud to be part of a coordinated, trauma-informed response in Caledon, supporting crisis intervention, safety planning, and pathways to care for individuals at risk of human trafficking.” - Julie Elsdon-Height, Executive Director, Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services
Media Coverage:
Peel Region human trafficking service expands ahead of FIFA World Cup, CBC News, May 11, 2026.
Anti-human sex trafficking expansion in Peel, CBLA FM-2 Radio, May 11, 2026.
Peel Region's anti-human trafficking hub set to reveal significant expansion, Toronto Sun, May 10, 2026
How to spot some of the warning signs of human trafficking, Ottawa Sun, Edmonton Sun, May 10, 2026.
Peel Region is the hot spot for sex trafficking in Canada, The Truth Pill, Hashtag Media, May 9, 2026.
Photo (Left to Right): Gary Kent, CAO, Peel Region, Deborah Riddle, Executive Director, EFry Hope and Help for Women, Christy Upshall, CEO, Our Place Peel, Julie Elsdon-Height, Executive Director, Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services, Sarah Rogers, Executive Director, Victim Services of Peel, Mississauga Councillor Chris Fonseca, Mississauga Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney, Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social & Economic Opportunity, Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO, Peel Children’s Aid Society (Peel CAS), Hon. Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism, Steve Jacques, Commissioner, Human Services, Peel Region, Mississauga Councillor Natalie Hart, Mississauga Councillor Martin Reid, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South, Mississauga Councillor Brad Butt
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About nCourage
nCourage is a collaborative partnership between Peel CAS, Our Place Peel, Peel Region, EFry Hope and Help for Women, Victim Services of Peel and Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services who are dedicated to supporting victims, survivors, and individuals at-risk. Together, the collaborative works with service providers within the health, legal, social services, education sectors and beyond, to offer on-site complementary services. Learn more at ncourage.ca, and connect via Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.
About Peel Children’s Aid Society
Peel CAS strives to ensure the safety and well-being of children and strengthen families through partnership and believes that children belong at home with their families whenever possible. Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, Peel CAS partners with local organizations to provide culturally competent programming, and improve the lives of children, youth, and families. Learn more at peelcas.org, and connect via Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Instagram
Media Contacts:
Colleen McCourt
Sr. Media Relations & Communications Strategist
Front Door PR
705-358-2006
Shane Vieira
Director, Communications
Peel Children’s Aid Society
905-301-3651
Mallory Antonello
Communications Consultant
Peel Children’s Aid Society
905-302-3481
