Combatting Human Trafficking

Is human trafficking a problem in Canada?

Trafficking in Persons and Human trafficking knows no borders and affects all countries, including Canada. Victims may be brought into Canada or they may be trafficked within or between cities.

As in other countries, it is difficult to provide accurate estimates on the full extent of trafficking in persons within Canada due to the clandestine nature of this activity. Other complicating factors include reluctance on the part of victims to come forward, the challenge of distinguishing between trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, and inconsistency in reporting on trafficking in persons.

Canada is not known to be a significant country of origin for victims, although reported case law and information on ongoing investigations and prosecutions confirms that Canadian nationals are trafficked wholly within Canada. Intelligence indicates that trafficked persons in Canada are predominantly forced to work in the sex trade, though some may end up in situations of forced labour. Trafficking cases encountered by Canadian law enforcement involve Canadian women, children and men who are trafficked for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation.

Canada is also believed to be a transit, and destination country in the international trafficking of persons. Foreign national victims are believed to come from Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and Eastern Europe, and are usually destined for major centres like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Victims may enter Canada through both legal and illegal means, using genuine or falsified documents. Once in Canada, intelligence shows that trafficked victims are predominantly forced to work in the sex trade.

A link exists between organized crime networks and trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Canada. Most organized crime groups can move multiple victims at the same time, typically across provincial borders.

For more information, please see the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada Organized Crime and Domestic Trafficking Strategic Intelligence Brief (August 2008).

What is the Government of Canada doing to address trafficking in persons?

Trafficking in persons is a serious crime. The Government of Canada combats human trafficking using the "4-P" approach: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships.

As described in the Government's response to the 2007 Report of the House of Commons' Standing Committee on the Status of Women ( PDF Version, 7.5Mb, PDF Help ), entitled Turning Outrage into Action to Address Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation, the 4-P approach focuses on:

1. Prevention of trafficking through education, public awareness, research, and training.
2. Protection of victims through understanding and providing supports that address their specific needs.
3. Prosecution of offenders through legislation and support for law enforcement and aids for witness testimony.
4. Promoting partnerships across all levels - local, regional, national and international - involving both government and civil society organizations.

This approach is consistent with prevailing international standards as reflected in the United Nations' Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.