In Canada, human trafficking is an ongoing and serious issue. Women, girls and gender diverse individuals are overly represented among victims and survivors of human trafficking. As a result, the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (the Committee) conducted a study, and produced this report, on human trafficking of women, girls and gender diverse individuals in Canada. The study and report focus predominantly on human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. This report discusses terminology related to human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, the currently available statistics about human trafficking in Canada and the federal legal mechanisms in place to address this crime.

The Committee heard that various systems of oppression are identified as factors contributing to the persistence of human trafficking, notably, sexism and discrimination based on gender and sexual identities, colonialism, racism, ableism, and social and economic inequalities. Certain groups of people in Canada may face other systemic challenges, including migrant workers and international students.

To ensure that the needs of victims and survivors of human trafficking in Canada are met and these individuals are adequately supported, witnesses noted that certain services should be made accessible and available to all, including those in rural, remote and urban areas. These services include social services that reduce poverty, including shelter and housing services, and other trauma-informed culturally appropriate services, such as health and mental health services. Organizations providing these services should be sufficiently funded to continue delivering and improving victim and survivor-centred services in Canada.

Finally, witnesses highlighted various approaches and initiatives to prevent human trafficking in Canada that should be implemented. Among these initiatives were: a continued federal national strategy to combat human trafficking that is intersectional; education, training and awareness efforts; improvements to data collection and sharing across jurisdictions; and possible legislative changes in Canada.

The report makes 22 recommendations to the Government of Canada, with the goals of improving support to victims and survivors of human trafficking in Canada, as well as addressing human trafficking currently occurring, and preventing further instances of human trafficking in Canada.