Federal Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

1. Federal Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking March 5, 2012 RDIMS # 564894

2. Context/Scope Trafficking in Persons (TIP) involves the recruitment, transportation and harbouring of persons and/or control of their movement for the purpose of exploiting their labour or services, typically for sexual exploitation or for forced labour True extent of TIP is difficult to measure: • It estimated that between (approx) 700,000 and 2 million people are trafficked annually worldwide for the purposes of forced labour or sexual exploitation • In Canada, there have been 10 TIP-specific Criminal Code convictions (279.01) with an additional 57 cases before the courts (91 accused and 156 victims) • Majority of victims Canadians, trafficked for sexual exploitation, although forced labour cases (foreign nationals) are being more frequently identified • Most likely to be victimized are at-risk youth, persons who are socially or economically disadvantaged, such as some Aboriginal women and girls, migrants and new immigrants • Community advocates working with TIP victims suggest the number is much higher than reported cases

3. Overview of Federal Strategy • The Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons • Co-led by PS and DOJ • 18 departments and agencies • Central repository of federal expertise and forum for development of government policy, information exchange and promotion of national and international cooperation • Canada’s efforts are guided by the UN Protocol toPrevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and is based on a 4-P approach: • Prevention • Protection of victims • Prosecution • Partnerships (domestic and international)

4. Prevention Highlights • General Awareness campaigns: • Canadian Crime Stoppers Association launched “Blue Blindfold” campaign in 2010 and acts as Canada’s tipline to report suspected cases • RCMP “I’m not for Sale” campaign: Mass toolkit distribution including posters, Police Officer’s Handbook, fact Sheets and awareness video • Regional, national and international expert roundtables to prevent TIP held in March 2011 • Developed and delivered training for provincial labour inspectors • Funded the People’s Law School to develop plain-language awareness materials on TIP • Funded the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to develop an Action Plan to promote national awareness and prevention strategies to eliminate the sexual exploitation of First Nations women and children in Canada

5. Protection Highlights • Enabled Immigration Officers to issue short-term temporary resident permits (TRP) to trafficking victims for up to 180 days • Implemented policy for RCMP officers to ensure that victims basic needs and protection are met throughout TIP investigations including by linking them to available resources in their community • Supported Canadian Council for Refugees to host a national roundtable on improving services and protection for TIP victims • Partnered with BC OCTIP to launch a training curriculum aimed at enhancing the ability of first responders and service providers to identify, assist and protect TIP victims in British Columbia

6. Prosecution and Enforcement Highlights • Enacted specific TIP offences: • Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2002) • Criminal Code of Canada (2005, 2010) • Established the RCMP’s Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre (HTNCC) and six regional human trafficking awareness coordinators acts as focal point for law enforcement to combat human trafficking (2005) • Since 2008, more than 39,000 law enforcement, border and immigration officers, prosecutors, government agencies, non-government organizations and the general public across Canada received training and awareness sessions • Released human trafficking threat assessment in 2010 to provide strategic guidance to law enforcement • Implemented comprehensive policies and procedures for border services officers • Worked with UNODC to develop anti-TIP manual for criminal justice practitioners, model anti-trafficking law and needs assessment toolkit on criminal justice responses to TIP.

7. Partnerships and Knowledge (Domestic) • Through the Justice Victim’s Fund, Status of Women’s Community Fund and Public Safety’s Contribution Program to Combat Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking, the Government has partnered with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance efforts to combat TIP in Canada • Released a feasibility study on developing a national data collection framework on trafficking in Canada in June 2009 • Partnered with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to host a national conference on TIP in March 2011 • Funded research to assess whether any increase in TIP occurred as a result of 2010 Winter Games

8. Partnerships and Knowledge (International) • Provided funding to combat trafficking in persons internationally through the Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (Americas focus) • Provided funding to International organizations and NGOs that work to prevent, protect and rehabilitate trafficking victims (e.g., anti-trafficking projects and programs in China, West Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia) (CIDA) • Supported the International Labour Organization in a technical assistance project (HRSDC – Labour)

9. Next Steps • As part of their election platform, the Government committed to developing and implementing a National Action Plan. • The release of this Plan is expected in the coming months