Ottawa names a new chief adviser on combating human trafficking

OTTAWA – The federal government says it has appointed a new “chief adviser” on combating human trafficking.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree says Jennifer Richardson, who served as the first director of Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coordination Office, has deep knowledge of human trafficking.

As chief adviser to the federal government, Richardson will offer recommendations to Public Safety Minister David McGuinty.

In recent weeks McGuinty has been working to convince the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump that Canada takes border security seriously.

Richardson is also expected to work with Anandasangaree to respond to many of the recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Richardson’s appointment is part of a national strategy to combat human trafficking.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2025.

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