Jasmine Scott De Fina is the 2026 Ward 3 Civic Hero!
During tonight’s Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting), Mayor Steven Del Duca, Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca and Members of Council recognized Jasmine Scott De Fina as the 2026 Ward 3 Civic Hero with a special ceremonial presentation.
Jasmine is a human trafficking consultant, advocate and community leader who has turned her lived experiences into a successful career. She educates frontline workers, government leaders, law enforcement, community agencies and the public, offering insight into human trafficking and guidance on how to better understand, support and work alongside survivors.
She served as a National Advocate supporting the implementation of Bill C‑36 and working with Victim Services of York Region, where she developed the organization’s internal Human Trafficking Response Program. Jasmine has also worked one‑on‑one with survivors and alongside crisis Intervention Counsellors to provide trauma‑informed support.
Jasmine is frequently invited to share her expertise as a panellist and commentator. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, including CBC News, Global News and the Toronto Star.
Since 2018, Jasmine has been deeply involved with SafeHope Home, a long‑term, survivor‑led recovery centre, first as a guest speaker, then as a peer mentor and program manager. In April 2022, she was invited to serve as Interim Executive Director and formally accepted the role in August 2022.
Jasmine identifies as a person of mixed heritage, with Métis, French, Irish and Scottish ancestry, and roots in Northern Ontario and Quebec. Like many Indigenous people on Turtle Island, her heritage is shaped by the complex and traumatic history of colonization – an experience that fuels her passion for her work.
QUOTES
“As Mayor, it is a true honour to celebrate the remarkable work of our residents who strive to make Vaughan a better place for everyone. Today, we recognize Jasmine Scott De Fina with the 2026 Ward 3 Civic Hero Award. She has helped shape change at both the systemic and community levels – from supporting the national implementation of Bill C‑36 and building a Human Trafficking Response Program in York Region, to working with survivors and leading survivor‑centred recovery at SafeHope Home. Jasmine exemplifies what it means to turn personal resilience into real, public action. Her leadership and advocacy have made our community stronger. Congratulations, Jasmine, and thank you for all that you do for our city and beyond.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am proud to present Jasmine Scott De Fina with the 2026 Ward 3 Civic Hero Award. Grounded in her mixed heritage and informed by lived experience, Jasmine’s work has transformed how institutions and communities understand human trafficking and how they support survivors. Her courage, expertise and leadership make her a truly deserving Ward 3 Civic Hero. Congratulations, Jasmine, on this well-deserved recognition!”
- Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 3
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the city’s five wards.
- Recipients are nominated by their Local Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
- The awards began in 2005 to recognize outstanding achievements and individual contributions to the community.
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