How to get help in Canada

Here are some things to know if you are under the control of traffickers in Canada.

Emergency services (9-1-1 or “0”)

Press 9-1-1, or dial '0' for the operator, and your call will be connected to the police, fire department and ambulance service.

If you wish to anonymously report a case of trafficking, please call Crime Stoppers National Tipline at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) for the closest Crime Stopper Program to you.

You may also contact your local victims’ services centre. Links to these provincial and territorial sites can be found here.

If you are a Temporary Foreign Worker who is in a situation of forced labour Human Resources and Skills Development Canada has information which may help you. Forced labour is more than just low wages or poor working conditions. It represents a restriction of freedom and is a violation of human rights. Forced labour occurs when people are being subjected to psychological and/or physical intimidation in order to perform work or provide a service which they would otherwise not have accepted. Forced labour includes situations such as slavery and debt bondage. Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Labour can provide you with more information on your rights at work.

Emergency shelters

Most cities and towns have safe places where you can go right away if you have nowhere to live or if you are in danger and need a safe place to stay. You can find the telephone number in the telephone book, at the library or from the police.

Doctor and hospital care

If you are sick, you can go to a doctor’s office or hospital. In some cities there are health clinics where you can get medical care without answering any questions about who you are or what work you do.

Community help

Many groups in Canada help people in trouble. There are rape crisis services, houses for abused women, organizations for newcomers to Canada, legal clinics for people who cannot afford a lawyer, special services for victims of crime and religious groups that provide many different support services. People from your home country who now live in Canada may get together to support and help each other. You can find out how to reach these groups at a community centre, at a public library, in the phone book or by asking people.

Unfair working conditions

Canadian laws require employers to pay employees a set minimum wage and to provide some other job benefits. A Ministry of Labour office can give you information and assistance if you are not being paid fairly, do not get time off or have to work in dangerous conditions.