Toronto

Human trafficking is a global issue that affects various regions, including Toronto, Canada. While Canada is known for its strong human rights protections and rule of law, instances of human trafficking still occur within the country, including in major cities like Toronto.

In Toronto, as a bustling metropolitan area with diverse communities and industries, there have been reported cases of human trafficking involving both sex trafficking and labor exploitation. Vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, refugees, and individuals facing economic challenges, may be particularly at risk.

The Canadian government, law enforcement agencies, and various organizations in Toronto are actively working to combat human trafficking and support victims. Initiatives are in place to raise awareness, enhance law enforcement efforts, provide victim support services, and promote collaboration among different stakeholders.

Toronto’s law enforcement agencies, such as the Toronto Police Service, have specialized units dedicated to addressing human trafficking. They work alongside federal agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Additionally, organizations like the Alliance Against Modern Slavery, Covenant House, and FCJ Refugee Centre provide resources, shelter, and support for victims of trafficking.

To address human trafficking effectively, it is important for the community to remain vigilant and aware of the signs and indicators. These can include individuals who show signs of control by others, appear fearful or submissive, have limited freedom of movement, or display signs of physical abuse. If you suspect human trafficking in Toronto or anywhere else, it is crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities or hotlines dedicated to combating human trafficking.

 

Ontario seeing more Newfoundlanders being trafficked, says Durham victim services – CBC
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Ontario seeing more Newfoundlanders being trafficked, says Durham victim services – CBC

The executive director of victim services in one of Canada’s human trafficking hotspots says she’s seeing an increase in people from Newfoundland and Labrador in her caseload. Krista MacNeil is the executive director of Victim Services of Durham Region, encompassing the Greater Toronto Area towns of Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and several smaller communities. As a Mi’kmaw woman born and raised in Stephenville, N.L., MacNeil said…

Trafficked woman hopes sharing her story will help girls back home in Akwesasne – CBC
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Trafficked woman hopes sharing her story will help girls back home in Akwesasne – CBC

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it. Sierra, 34, is determined to speak out about how she survived what she calls a hellish ordeal. Raised by a mother who moved frequently between the United States and Akwesasne — a Mohawk community bordering Cornwall, Ont. — Sierra said she had…

Ontario police task force investigated 65 human trafficking cases in December 2021 – CBC
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Ontario police task force investigated 65 human trafficking cases in December 2021 – CBC

A group of 21 police services across Ontario has conducted 65 human trafficking investigations, helped 61 victims and charged 28 perpetrators since December 2021. The Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) includes the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with agencies from Greater Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Toronto, Six Nations and many other cities and…

Raising awareness key to combatting human trafficking – North Bay News
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Raising awareness key to combatting human trafficking – North Bay News

On Human Trafficking Awareness Day OPP shared human trafficking statistics that show in the last 15 months 28 people have been charged in Ontario. The victims ranged from 12 to 47 years old, while the accused ranged from 18 to 44 years old. “In Ontario, sex trafficking is the most reported type of human trafficking,” said Merrilee…

Ontario human trafficking unit rescues more than 60 victims over 14 months
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Ontario human trafficking unit rescues more than 60 victims over 14 months

A joint initiative by several police units across Ontario to crack down on human trafficking resulted in more than 60 victims being rescued in the past 14 months. The Ontario Provincial Police and 20 regional, municipal and Indigenous police services are members of the Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), launched and funded by…

239 charges laid against 28 people in Ontario human trafficking cases | Toronto Sun
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239 charges laid against 28 people in Ontario human trafficking cases | Toronto Sun

Ontario has assisted 61 victims of human trafficking and laid 239 charges against 28 people since the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) was formed in Dec. 2021.  The statistics were released on national Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Wednesday by the IFJS which sees 21 police services from around the province, including…

‘A beacon of hope’: Survivor shares her story of being trafficked
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‘A beacon of hope’: Survivor shares her story of being trafficked

In light of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, police and community organizations are hoping to highlight just how prevalent and complex of an issue trafficking remains in Ontario. One survivor shares with Global News how she turned her pain into purpose. Kaitlin Bick is currently a support worker for youth experiencing various forms of abuse….

Toronto Pearson marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
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Toronto Pearson marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Canada’s largest airport works with #NotInMyCity to educate workers about human trafficking TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2023 /CNW/ – The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, is renewing its commitment to help fight human trafficking through its continued partnership with #NotInMyCity, an organization dedicated to preventing and ending human trafficking. February…

Chiefs of Ontario Host Human Trafficking Lunch and Learn Sessions Highlighting Human …
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Chiefs of Ontario Host Human Trafficking Lunch and Learn Sessions Highlighting Human

(Toronto, ON – February 21, 2023) The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Women’s Initiatives Sector will host a lunch and learn session on March 3, 2023, to highlight human trafficking prevention and awareness. During the lunch and learn session, service providers and First Nations will join together to discuss the importance of eradicating human trafficking, how…

Northern Ontario trafficking survivor shares story to help others | CBC News
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Northern Ontario trafficking survivor shares story to help others | CBC News

WARNING: This story contains content that may be upsetting to some readers. Links to support services are included at the end of the article. A human trafficking survivor is sharing her story to help teach police and front-line workers about the warning signs and the effects of such abuse. Jessica Desmond-Solomon talked about her experience…