Human trafficking

Human trafficking is the third most lucrative trade on the global black market, after drugs and guns.

Victims of human trafficking are coerced into economically, sexually and physically exploitative situations. Trafficked persons come from all parts of the world, but residents of unstable or poor countries are the most vulnerable.

Victims trafficked into Canada often come from Central and South America, Eastern Europe and Asia. They arrive by plane and car, or more dangerous means like container ships and shuttered trucks.

Most persons trafficked into Canada are women and children used for prostitution and slavery-like labour. However, men are increasingly being trafficked to be workers in dangerous or difficult jobs. There is also internal trafficking of Canadians for the sex trade.

A hidden problem

Human trafficking exists in the shadows of society, so it is hard to know the size of the problem. The UN estimates up to one million people are trafficked throughout the world each year.

Canadian law enforcement officials estimate over 3000 people are trafficked through Canada annually, not including migrant labourers who work for less than subsistence wages or illegal immigrants toiling in toxic environments.

Canada’s missing pillar

Strategies that effectively combat human trafficking have three pillars: prevention, prosecution and protection. These pillars are mandatory for all countries that have ratified the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, including Canada.

Canada has developed the first two pillars, prevention and prosecution. Legislation such as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act penalizes traffickers with up to a $1 million fine and life imprisonment. As well, a 2005 amendment to the Criminal Code specifically makes trafficking in persons a criminal offence.

However, failing to protect trafficked people is a significant shortcoming in Canada’s human rights record. It is also a fundamental weakness in our strategy to combat human trafficking. Victims protected through support, security and safety are much more likely to provide evidence to prosecute their traffickers, a critical component in preventing human trafficking.

Urgent leadership

We can be an international leader on human trafficking as Canada has been on other human security issues, like land mines and the struggle against apartheid. Other countries, notably Australia, Belgium, Italy and the United States have developed measures to protect trafficked persons.

Canada should build on the successes of those countries. Urge Canada to take the lead to provide support, security and safety to victims of human trafficking in our country.