On March 24, 2012, “MATM” - the “Montreal Anti-Trafficking Movement” (MATM)  was born and has already began work in view of the Formula I race which will take place in Montreal at the beginning of June.

The aim of this movement is to make those in the hotel industry aware of the phenomenon of human trafficking for sexual purposes and to offer them ways of recognizing the victims.

 What is the MATM? It is a coalition formed with about ten religious congregations from Montreal, with the Social Justice Office of the Montreal Dioceses, with laypeople who are interested in the cause and with “CATHII” (Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale), “ARDF” (Association des religieuses pour les droits des femmes) organizations and with members of “CLES” (Concertation des luttes contre l’exploitation sexuelle). 

The aim of this movement is to make those working in the hotel industry aware of the phenomenon of human trafficking for sexual purposes and to offer them ways of recognizing the victims.

Inspired by the CCRIM (Coalition for Corporate Responsibility for Indiana and Michigan) started by Sisters in the United States during the Super Bowl, Phyllis Douillard, S.N.J.M., assisted by Sharon Di Fruscia of the Diocese of Montreal and Constance Létourneau of the Groupe Solidarité Justice SNJM, set up a plan to contact 167 Montreal hotels.

A letter was faxed to all hotel managers and volunteers followed up with a personal phone call to each manager. Those who express an interest will be provided with documents and information. The training to raise awareness and to offer ways of recognizing victims of human trafficking will be given by Annie Robert, a civilian, who works with the R.C.M.P.  The documents will be provided by the R.C.M.P. and CATHII.

In this way, MATM hopes to save victims of human trafficking.