CATHII – 20 Years: Well-Deserved Tributes

The Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (CATHII – Committee for Action Against Internal and International Human Trafficking) paid tribute to six individuals, including two SNJM members, who have significantly contributed to the organization’s journey since its founding 20 years ago.

The tribute served as an opportunity to highlight key moments in the organization’s history. CATHII President Sr. IsaBelle Couillard, sgm, recalled how an invitation from the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in 2001 sparked an idea among several Religious Congregations involved in women’s justice networks.

Taking It Further

Already active in grassroots communities in the Saint-Michel neighborhood of Montreal, Lise Gagnon, SNJM, and Céline Dubé, CND, developed a one-day awareness session on human trafficking.

To reach a broader audience, they conceived the idea of creating a play with the evocative title “Lost in trafficking”  (“Perdues dans le trafic”). Both the session and the play were translated into English and presented across Quebec, Ontario, and other parts of Canada, with support from the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC). 

These actions elicited strong responses and sparked reflection: “Do we stop here or keep going? And if we continue, how do we go further?” This questioning led Céline Dubé and Lise Gagnon to found CATHII in September 2004.

“At the time, we envisioned a small action-oriented committee,” said Sr. Lise Gagnon. “We continued raising awareness to combat the misconception that this issue only existed outside our country. We also added advocacy to influence legislation.”

This sustained effort and growing public awareness eventually led to the founding of the Coalition québécoise contre la traite des personnes (Quebec Coalition Against Human Trafficking) in 2016 by CATHII. The coalition promotes collaboration between various groups working with victims—shelters, outreach workers, community groups, police services, and more.

Recognizing Ongoing Commitment

Sr. IsaBelle Couillard praised “the intuition, the ability to call forth, unite, and energize Religious Communities and other groups” demonstrated by co-founders Céline and Lise.

The tribute to Sr. Lise Gagnon honored not only her foundational work but also her continued involvement, notably in launching the CATHII–University at the UN program, which marked its fifth anniversary in spring 2025.

A 2014 letter written by Sr. Claudette Bastien revealed the impact of the SNJM Congregation’s corporate stand against human trafficking. “It was then that I was offered a unique opportunity to engage in this cause through the founding of CATHII in late September 2004… Since that day, my involvement with CATHII continues to be nourished by the solidarity that binds us and propels us forward, confident that we have laid strong foundations and that many challenges remain in helping victims of trafficking both here and abroad.”

Sr. Claudette’s early involvement saw her take to the streets, as noted by Sr. Couillard—“holding the CATHII banner during the Freedom Relay, the World March of Women, and events commemorating March 8 and missing Indigenous women.”

Sr. Couillard also highlighted her many representations and years of leadership as president of CATHII, concluding with this tribute: “In recognition of the one who is always present when action is needed—Claudette Bastien, of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.”

Celebrating Other Key Contributors

During the gathering held in Montreal on April 24, four other individuals were also honored: Ms. Francine Cabana, involved since the inception and a board member; Sr. Pierrette Bertrand, another founding member; and Nicole Rivard, the first representative to Talitha Kum.

Special mention was given to the contribution of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Anne during this warm and friendly event.

In closing, it is worth noting that the latest issue of the CATHII bulletin (French only) is now available.