In an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and support its survivors, The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is proactively engaging with governments across the country. Our goal is to promote person-centred policies that prioritize the unique needs and challenges faced by victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Why Survivor-Centered Policy Matters
Victims and survivors of human trafficking often encounter barriers to accessing essential social services that may not be readily apparent to policymakers. To address these challenges effectively, we advocate for the adoption of a “human trafficking lens” during the development of public policies.
Result of Extensive Engagement and Collaboration
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has submitted a series of policy briefs to the federal and provincial governments to inform future budget and policy development. These briefs put human trafficking victims/survivors at the forefront of public policy discussions and are informed through engagement with stakeholders across the country. They offer solutions to prevent trafficking, support victims/survivors, inform Canadians, and hold perpetrators to account.
The policy challenges that we have focused on this year include:
Housing and Homelessness
A range of safe, secure, and affordable housing and shelter options is critical to disrupting human trafficking. Access to housing is essential for assisting people from being vulnerable to trafficking, helping victims exit their situation, and creating stability for survivors as they recover. For this reason, housing must be a priority in local, provincial, and federal responses to human trafficking in Canada.
The Centre’s briefs identify policy gaps and solutions across Canada’s housing and shelter system.
Labour Trafficking
Canadian immigration and labour policy has created an environment that facilitates the exploitation and trafficking of migrant workers. The is particularly true for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Centre’s policy briefs offer recommendations for improving immigration and labour policy, including program changes, new labour protections, and increased access to social supports for all workers.
International Students
The international student population has increased dramatically in Canada over the past two decades. However, key safeguards (e.g., program oversight, accountability measures, and services and supports for students) have not kept pace. As a result, international students have become more vulnerable to labour exploitation and human trafficking.
The Centre’s letter identifies policy gaps and proposed solutions related to international education and immigration programs for students.
Visit our website to read our recommendations: https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/policy-recommendations/
At The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, we remain committed to advancing policies that empower survivors and ultimately put an end to human trafficking in Canada.