Human trafficking and family violence remain serious concerns in Canada, affecting some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.
To provide better support to victims, Canada has introduced expanded measures to enhance protection, remove barriers, and offer more robust resources. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented new policies that extend support for foreign national victims of human trafficking and family violence.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of IRCC’s New Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking and family violence.
- Details on Expanded Protections, including work and study permit fee waivers.
- Insights into Canada’s National Strategy to combat human trafficking.
- Government Financial Commitments and cross-government collaboration efforts.
- Future Challenges and Steps Needed to strengthen victim support.
Key Policy Enhancements
Under the new measures, victims and their dependents in Canada will now receive an initial Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for at least 12 months, with some exceptions. This is a significant extension from previous durations, ensuring victims have more excellent stability while they seek assistance and rebuild their lives. Additionally, the federal government has waived fees for subsequent TRPs, work permits, study permits, and biometrics, removing financial obstacles that could otherwise hinder access to support.
Since 2006, out-of-status foreign nationals in Canada who have been victims of human trafficking have been eligible for a special TRP, known as the VTIP TRP (Victims of Trafficking in Persons TRP). This permit provides temporary immigration status, access to work and study opportunities, and healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). In 2019, the government introduced a TRP specifically for victims of family violence, offering them a way to escape abusive situations without jeopardizing their immigration status. These measures have now been reinforced to serve those in need better.
Impact of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is often referred to as modern-day slavery, with victims subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. Traffickers use coercion, violence, and threats to control their victims, depriving them of fundamental human rights. While trafficking occurs globally, Canada is not immune to this issue. Victims include both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals, with women and children being disproportionately affected.
Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, has emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing human trafficking. “This crime robs its victims of their most basic human rights and is occurring in Canada and worldwide. To combat this issue effectively, we must collaborate closely with law enforcement, civil society, and provincial and territorial governments,” Toews stated.
National Strategy to Fight Human Trafficking
Canada’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking was introduced to consolidate and strengthen efforts to address this issue. The strategy is built on five key pillars:
- Empowerment: Providing resources and support to victims and survivors, ensuring they can rebuild their lives with dignity.
- Prevention: Raising awareness, educating communities, and reducing vulnerabilities that make individuals susceptible to trafficking.
- Protection: Enhancing services and legal protections for victims, including the newly improved TRP measures.
- Prosecution: Strengthening laws and enforcement measures to bring traffickers to justice.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with domestic and international organizations to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts.
The federal government appointed Jennifer Richardson as Canada’s new chief human-traffic adviser. Richardson, a survivor, brings invaluable expertise and a victim-centred approach to the role. With a three-year mandate, she will work closely with Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree to enhance Canada’s response to trafficking. Her role includes responding to recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and working on policies that protect at-risk populations, including Indigenous and gender-diverse individuals.
Financial Commitment and Cross-Government Collaboration
The national anti-trafficking strategy is supported by an annual $10.3 million budget, which funds measures such as a confidential victim hotline, emergency shelters, and victim assistance programs. Additional funding has been allocated to combat online-facilitated trafficking and strengthen border security measures.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Human trafficking is a highly gendered crime driven by social and economic inequalities, including poverty, lack of education, and systemic discrimination. Statistics Canada reported 528 police-reported incidents of human trafficking in 2022, with 439 victims identified. These figures, however, likely underestimate the true scope of the problem due to the hidden nature of trafficking.
Looking ahead
While Canada has made significant strides in combatting human trafficking, advocacy groups and experts argue that more needs to be done. A significant concern is the high burden of proof required for victims to access TRPs and other supports. The short-term nature of many policies also limits long-term protection for survivors, making it difficult for them to recover and integrate into society fully.
Additionally, Canada must continue strengthening cross-border cooperation with the United States and other international partners. Given the interconnected nature of human trafficking, a global response is necessary to disrupt trafficking networks and support victims regardless of their country of origin.
Human trafficking and family violence are devastating crimes with profound impacts on individuals and communities. Canada’s strengthened immigration policies increased financial commitments, and the appointment of dedicated leadership reflects a renewed effort to combat these issues. However, continued vigilance and policy evolution are necessary to ensure all victims receive the protection and support they need.
Canada is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable by focusing on prevention, protection, prosecution, empowerment, and partnerships. With ongoing efforts, the government aims to make meaningful progress in the fight against human trafficking, ensuring a safer future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What changes has IRCC made to support victims of human trafficking and family violence?
IRCC now grants an initial one-year Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to victims and their dependents, providing stability while they seek help. The government has also waived fees for follow-up TRPs, work permits, study permits, and biometrics, making it easier for victims to access necessary support without financial barriers.
Who is eligible for the one-year TRP under the new policy?
Foreign nationals in Canada who are victims of human trafficking or family violence can apply for the TRP. This includes individuals facing forced labour, sexual exploitation, or domestic abuse. Dependents of victims are also eligible for protection and support services.
What additional resources are available for victims under Canada’s anti-trafficking strategy?
Victims can access work and study opportunities, healthcare through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and emergency shelters. The federal government also funds a confidential victim hotline, victim assistance programs, and initiatives to combat online trafficking.
How does Canada’s National Strategy to Fight Human Trafficking work?
The strategy focuses on five key pillars:
Empowerment – Providing direct support for victims.
Prevention – Raising awareness and reducing vulnerabilities.
Protection – Expanding legal and immigration safeguards.
Prosecution – Strengthening legal actions against traffickers.
Partnerships – Collaborating with domestic and international organizations.
What are the challenges in combating human trafficking in Canada?
Despite efforts, victims often struggle to prove their cases, limiting access to TRPs and other supports. Human trafficking is also a hidden crime, making detection difficult. Advocates call for long-term immigration solutions and stronger cross-border collaboration to protect victims and dismantle trafficking networks.
