What is the Demand Action Coalition?

The Demand Action Coalition is an interdisciplinary group of survivors of exploitation and trafficking, front line service providers, advocacy groups and police agencies from across Canada. We formed in 2023 to address an identified need in Canadian communities to reduce sexual exploitation and trafficking and other sex industry-related offences. We work with community partners and all levels of government to achieve nation wide alignment with current federal laws.

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Our Purpose

Through advocacy, engagement and collaboration with individuals, governments, law enforcement and NGOs, we work to reduce the demand for commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in Canada.

The Canadian Law

PCEPA – The Protection of Communities & Exploited Persons Act (2014) recognizes the inherent harms of commercial sexual exploitation industries, the human rights of marginalized and vulnerable Canadians, and aims to shrink the market demand for prostitution and sex trafficking. We aim to move all municipalities to act in accordance with our nation’s values as detailed within PCEPA. In doing so, we ensure Canada’s international obligations on gender equality are met, which includes the Palermo Protocol and CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 

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Members

The Demand Action Coalition consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including survivors of trafficking, frontline service providers, advocacy organizations, and law enforcement agencies. 

Andrea Heinz spent seven years in the licensed commercial sex industry In Edmonton, Alberta, from 2006-2013. She holds a diploma in Correctional Services (MacEwan University) and is presently completing a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management (Athabasca University).

Andrea is a peer-reviewed scholar on commercial sexual exploitation, has written for several professional publications, participated in a number of interviews, and appeared as a witness for the 2022 parliamentary review of Canada’s prostitution laws (PCEPA).  She has been involved with the Edmonton Sex Trade Offender Program (“john school”) since 2013, currently filling the role of program coordinator.  In 2024 she published the book “When Men Buy Sex, Who Really Pays?” co-authored alongside fellow-advocate Kathy King.

Andrea is the recipient of many awards including a Woman of Courage award (Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation), the inaugural Dr. Zohra Husaini award for exceptional dedication towards advancing the human rights of women (Indo-Canadian Women’s Association), and a Human Rights Champion award (John Humphrey Centre for Peace & Human Rights).

Beth Whalen has been an employee of The John Howard Society of Durham Region for over 30 years, with 27 of those dedicated to providing Harm Reduction programming.  A strong advocate for Harm Reduction, she began her career as a full-time Outreach Worker with Project X-Change in 1998.

Today, as Coordinator of Harm Reduction Services, Beth oversees a wide range of initiatives including Project X-Change (Core NEP/NSP for Durham Region), DREAMS Women’s Drop-In Program for Sex Workers, Trafficked and Street-Involved Women, the Men’s Diversion (John School) Program, the Harm Reduction Outreach Program, the Ontario Naloxone Program, and the On Point Program.

Her leadership extends beyond program management, advocating for Harm Reduction at the federal, provincial, and regional levels. Her dedication has been recognized with multiple awards for her leadership and dedication to Harm Reduction.

Casandra Diamond is a nationally recognized anti-human trafficking expert, providing direct services, policy, and advocacy in Canada. As a survivor of sex trafficking, her lived experience critically informs her leadership, research, and practice in the field of trafficking prevention, survivor support, and public policy development.

In 2006, Casandra founded BridgeNorth, working directly with those involved in the sex industry to provide daily living essentials, safety planning, exiting assistance, and most importantly, awareness of the crime itself. Funded by the Governments of Ontario and Canada, BridgeNorth is a model for survivor led services and hard work.

Casandra has contributed significantly to public discourse, with a 2020 TEDx Talk receiving over two million views within its first year of release. Her policy contributions include support for Canada’s Bill C-36 and co-development of the York Region District School Board’s Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol. Casandra’s work has been recognized through a number of honours and awards including the Voice of Courage Award (Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, 2019), Leading Women Building Communities Award (Ministry of the Status of Women, 2018), Victim Services Award of Distinction (Ministry of the Attorney General, 2017), and the Inspiration Award (Joy Smith Foundation, 2014).

As a dedicated Outreach and Partnership Facilitator, I draw upon my strong background in counseling to connect effectively with diverse community members and forge strategic partnerships. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, I excel at fostering relationships that help identify and address community needs, facilitating meaningful dialogue and collaboration. My passion for promoting community well-being drives my efforts in this role. With skills in active listening and empathy, I am adept at understanding the unique challenges faced by various stakeholders, allowing me to tailor outreach initiatives that truly resonate. I am committed to promoting social change and enhancing access to community resources. By creating a robust network of support, I empower individuals and organizations, driving sustainable community development through effective partnership and engagement.

Hennes Doltze leads the EmpowerMen Project (a part of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre) and he is is passionate about shifting the focus towards engaging men and their role in reducing sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. With a background non-profit management and social work, he has worked with hundreds of men on issues of relationships, addressing domestic violence and commercial sexual exploitation. Hennes has trained law enforcement officers on a sex buyer intervention program and spoken at national and international conferences and trainings, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as Members of the Canadian Parliament and Senate.

John Cassells is the founding Director of Lifeworthy, a faith-based project of SIM Canada. Over the past four decades, John has designed and led a variety of outreach programs, helping countless young people break free from the sex industry, addictions, homelessness, and exploitative relationships. John’s present work largely involves supporting families from across North America that are impacted by the exploitation of a loved one. He has helped establish several other charitable organizations that care and advocate for trafficking victims and has provided numerous consultations for municipal, provincial, and federal governments on such issues.  

I am the Diversion Program Supervisor within the Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I completed my B.A. in Criminal Justice at the University of Winnipeg. I came to the Salvation Army with experience working in roles as a Probation Officer and as a Correctional Officer in Saskatchewan. It is my goal and passion to address the demand through diversion programing, education, and awareness.

A 25-year member of the Winnipeg Police Service, I have worked in several specialized investigative units.  I am currently in charge of the Counter Exploitation Unit which specializes in investigations pertaining to child and adult exploitation, luring and human trafficking.

Stephen Moorgan works in The Salvation Army’s Correctional and Justice Services Department. Prior to this position, he was in law enforcement for 13 years, in labor and employment relations, where he conducted investigations into harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Stephen has considerable experience working with issues related to forced labour practices. He has also taught at a post- secondary institution and pastored for several years. Stephen has three biological children as well as four foster children

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