The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking calls for stronger investment and urgent action to address all forms of trafficking.
MAY 6, 2025 (TORONTO) — The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is concerned that Ontario’s newly released 2025–2030 anti-human trafficking strategy overlooks a critical and growing issue: labour trafficking. Despite a clear need for expanded protections and services for people exploited in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work, the strategy makes no mention of labour trafficking.
“We need to be honest about what’s missing,” said Julia Drydyk, executive director at the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. “Labour trafficking is real, it is happening in Ontario, and survivors are being left out of the conversation.”
In the past five years alone, the Centre identified 72 cases of labour trafficking in Ontario. The organization continues to call for targeted awareness campaigns and stronger coordination across all levels of government. Ensuring that migrant workers understand their rights — and know where to turn when those rights are violated — is critical to preventing exploitation.
At the same time, the Centre acknowledges positive elements in the renewed strategy, particularly the government’s continued focus on survivor support, expanded training, and public awareness.
“The government’s recommitment does send a signal that human trafficking remains a serious and urgent issue in Ontario,” said Drydyk. “We applaud new investments in trauma-informed services and welcome the focus on capacity-building across sectors.”
The Centre underscores that training for service providers is one of the most impactful investments the province can make. Its own work with housing and shelter networks across Ontario has repeatedly highlighted the need for trauma-informed training in social services and other anti-human trafficking support programs.
Raising awareness is critical to prevention. The strategy’s emphasis on educating youth and training educators using age-appropriate, evidence-based materials is a meaningful step forward. When Ontarians can recognize the signs of trafficking, they are better equipped to respond safely and effectively.
Still, more must be done to address the full scope of trafficking in Ontario. Many survivors are migrant workers and international students whose precarious employment and immigration conditions leave them vulnerable to coercion and exploitation. They have distinct needs that require tailored, culturally informed services — not one-size-fits-all solutions.
“We’ll continue to work with the government and our partners to make sure no one is left behind,” Drydyk added. “Every survivor deserves to be seen, supported, and safe. A strategy that excludes labour trafficking is not a complete strategy.”
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The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is a national charity dedicated to ending all types of human trafficking in Canada.
If you or someone you know is experiencing trafficking or exploitation, you can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 — available 24/7/365 and in over 200 languages.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ben René, brene@ccteht.ca, 647-714-2527