Human Trafficking

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Human Trafficking in Canada

Human Trafficking is Modern-Day Slavery

Human Trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, and/or receipt of persons, by various means of coercion, force, fraud, or the abuse of power, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation typically includes sexual exploitation, forced labour, involuntary servitude, or slavery under circumstances where they fear for their safety (or that of someone known to them) if they refuse to provide that service or labour. Victims suffer physical, sexual and emotional abuse including threats of violence or actual harm, which is compounded by their living and working conditions. It is estimated that 250,000 slaves exist in North America, 45 million worldwide.

Victims of Trafficking can be found in:

Commercial sex or prostitution
Nannies or servants
Sweatshop factories
Construction
Farming or landscaping
Fisheries
Hotel or tourism industries
Panhandling
Janitorial services
Restaurant services

Don’t close your eyes to Human Trafficking

Certainly experience has shown that Human Trafficking occurs in our major urban centres across Canada, however it is not exclusively restricted there. Wherever there is a demand for any of the services referred to in the previous list, it is conceivable victims can be found there as well – perhaps in your own community here in New Brunswick. Please don’t close your eyes to Human Trafficking.

Quite often Human Trafficking is happening right in our own communities and we do not notice. The reason we do not notice is often due to a lack of familiarity with Human Trafficking.

If you suspect or know of Human Trafficking activity please contact your local law enforcement, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call N.B. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip anonymously online via our Confidential Web Tip Information System.

What happens when you contact Crime Stoppers:

Firstly, your identity will never be known as Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and calls and web tips are never traced. Your call will be completely anonymous. The information you provide will be forwarded to law enforcement for investigation, and if proven to be accurate will help ensure the perpetrators be arrested and charged, and you would be eligible to receive a cash award of up to $2,000 Canadian.

The victim (the person being trafficked) will be provided with assistance and if from another country, can be provided with a temporary residency permit and a safe location while the matter is being resolved.

Canadian Crime Stoppers Association wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) located in the United Kingdom, who provided us with the graphics for the Blue Blindfold depictions, material, and permission to use the concept.