National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking Act

Summary#

This bill would write Canada’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking into law. It makes the federal government keep the strategy up to date, follow key UN agreements, and report on progress each year. It also requires regular public reviews and puts survivors at the center of the work.

• The Minister of Public Safety must maintain and update the national anti‑trafficking strategy.
• The strategy must support survivors, expand prevention, and improve prosecutions using a trauma‑informed approach (care that avoids re‑traumatizing people).
• It must address root causes like poverty and discrimination and protect groups at higher risk.
• A public website will share research, signs to look for, and help for communities.
• Federal workers will get ongoing training; clear goals and timelines must be set and tracked.
• Survivors must lead on an advisory committee, and the Minister’s Chief Advisor on trafficking must be a survivor.
• The government must review the strategy within two years and then every five years, with public input, and publish the results.
• An annual report to Parliament will show progress each year.

What it means for you#

• Survivors and families

  • More focus on support to regain independence, with services that are culturally and language sensitive.
  • Stronger role for survivors in shaping programs and advice to the Minister.
  • Easier access to information and resources through a one‑stop website.

• People at higher risk (Indigenous, Black, and Asian women and girls, at‑risk youth, migrants)

  • Targeted prevention and awareness campaigns in communities.
  • Services and training designed to fit different cultures and languages.

• Community members and the public

  • Clearer information on how to spot signs of trafficking and where to get help.
  • Chance to share views during public reviews of the strategy.

• Service providers and NGOs

  • More coordination with federal, provincial, and municipal partners.
  • Possible increases in referrals and training requests tied to the national strategy and awareness work.

• Law enforcement and justice professionals

  • More training and tools to identify trafficking cases and work with survivors in a trauma‑informed way.
  • Stronger coordination with other agencies and countries.

• Federal public servants

  • Required ongoing training on trafficking and trauma‑informed practices.
  • Clear goals and reporting timelines to track progress.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Puts the anti‑trafficking strategy on a stable, long‑term footing with clear goals and accountability.
• Elevates survivor leadership so programs reflect real needs and avoid harm.
• Boosts prevention by raising awareness and tackling root causes like poverty and discrimination.
• Improves coordination across governments and with international partners.
• Builds capacity in the justice system to find, investigate, and prosecute trafficking while better supporting survivors.
• Aligns Canada’s work with international commitments to protect women and children.

Opponents' View#

• Does not include dedicated funding, which could limit impact and raise expectations without resources.
• Adds reviews and reports that may increase red tape and administrative costs.
• Emphasis on training and root causes could, some argue, shift focus away from front‑line policing and prosecutions.
• Federal direction may overlap with provincial and municipal roles, risking duplication or confusion.
• A new website and more training might have limited real‑world effect if not paired with concrete services and enforcement.
• Requiring certain advisory roles to be filled only by survivors could limit flexibility to include other experts.