Community News
Labour trafficking isn’t just something that happens in the movies, it is prevalent across Canada
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“As a nation that depends on these essential workers, we need to do better.”
Labour trafficking isn’t just something that happens in the movies, it is prevalent across Canada, and yet more than half of Canadians (55%) either don’t believe or don’t know that it is a major issue in Canada. New research conducted by The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (The Centre) reveals just how unaware we are of the issue.
With the Canadian government aiming to bring half a million immigrants by 2025, I thought that this would be a meaningful news story for the community.
Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers arrive in Canada each year legally. They often leave comfortable homes and loved ones to provide the labour needed to fuel our economy. While labour trafficking happens in many industries – from hospitality to construction – it is most prevalent in the agricultural sector. The nation’s food security rests on the backs of these migrant workers. Many leave their home country only to face false promises, intimidation, and abuse.
The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper has spoken to the fact that a vast number of these workers experience abuse. This can include having pay and documents withheld, unsanitary living conditions and violence. Although 93% of Canadians support the fair treatment of migrant workers, 85% don’t know how to make a difference if someone is being mistreated
Labour trafficking is a serious issue in Canada. While anyone can be a victim of labour trafficking, migrant workers are at higher risk due to precarious immigration status, isolation, and language barriers.
“Trafficked persons are lured to Canada with promises of good-paying jobs, and access to opportunities for themselves and their families. However, when they arrive here, they are forced to work long hours under unsafe and very poor working conditions for little or no money,” explains Julia Drydyk (Executive Director, The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking). “These workers often don’t realize they have rights. Many feel threatened and isolated, so they do as they are told. We know Canadians want to help – 93% of Canadians support the fair treatment of migrant workers – but we also know that 85% don’t know how to make a difference. Being able to identify labour trafficking is the first essential step to stopping it.”
Labour trafficking can occur in almost any industry, from construction to hospitality. Annually, the agricultural sector employs the most temporary foreign workers, with general farm workers making up 56% of this workforce, followed by nursery and greenhouse workers at 15%. There are reasons that migrant workers in agriculture are more vulnerable to exploitation; one major reason is the language barrier that exists, along with isolated working, and below average living conditions.
Canadians value our agricultural industry; 96% of those surveyed believe it’s important to support Canadian farming, and another 96% believe Canadians deserve access to affordable, nutritious food. What many don’t realize is that Canada’s food security rests on the backs of migrant workers; therefore, it is essential that we support this vital workforce.
Labour traffickers – including: recruiters, contractors, employers and others – can coerce people to work against their will. They use violence, threats, lies and ‘debt bondage’. Those being trafficked often:
- Live in substandard living accommodations that present health and safety concerns
- Complete work outside of their contractual terms
- Have their pay reduced or held back by their employer
- Pay for services (i.e., travel to Canada) that employers are legally required to cover
- Receive threats of deportation if they speak up or advocate for their rights
- Have their passports and/or other legal documentation taken away
- Face discrimination from their employer
In 2019, The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking launched the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, a 24/7, multi-lingual service that can be accessed via phone, chat, web form, and email. The Centre works with: governments, companies and service providers to facilitate collaboration, identify best practices, and advance change towards ending trafficking in our country.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multi-lingual service available in more than 200 languages, 24/7. It helps: victims, survivors, those at-risk and those concerned about labour and sex trafficking connect with vital services.
Independent of the police or the government, the Hotline has specialized protocols and partners with over 900 service providers nationwide, allowing staff to connect callers with localized expertise and services that meet their unique needs, such as legal clinics, legal services and migrant rights networks. The Hotline may also offer additional referrals to community partners equipped to meet basic housing needs, food, clothing, etc. Change truly can begin with just one call.
“For a large majority of migrant workers, not knowing who to trust, where to go, and how to access information about their rights are major barriers,” adds Ms. Drydyk. “Lack of knowledge leaves migrant labourers susceptible to exploitation. And lack of knowledge on the part of Canadians allows this abuse to flourish. As a nation that depends on these essential workers, we need to do better.”
February 22nd, 2023, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and it is a crucial time to raise awareness. The Centre is encouraging all Canadians to take three steps to make a difference:
- Educate yourself about labour trafficking
- Know the signs
- Contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010
Launching in April, when seasonal work begins, the multi-faceted campaign will help migrant workers understand their rights and raise awareness of The Centre’s Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be being exploited call 1-833-900-1010 or reach out via chat or webform at www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca