About human trafficking

On this page

• What is human trafficking
• Differences between human trafficking and human smuggling
• Human trafficking statistics
• Legislation against Human trafficking

What is human trafficking

Human trafficking involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims to exploit them for profit. In Canada, the most common forms of human trafficking are sex trafficking and labour trafficking. 

Human trafficking is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The extent of human trafficking, both in Canada and internationally, is difficult to measure due to its hidden nature. Victims and witnesses are often reluctant to come forward, and it can be difficult for authorities to identify victims.

Anyone can be a victim of this crime, but in Canada, most known victims are women and girls. Those at risk also include:

• Indigenous women and girls
• Migrants and newcomers
• 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons
• Children and youth in the child welfare system
• People who are socially or economically disadvantaged

If you think someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, 9-1-1, or your local police.

Differences between human trafficking and human smuggling

Human trafficking and human smuggling are often confused but they are two different crimes. What are the differences?

Human trafficking

• Can happen within a country or across borders
• Victims do not consent, or they cannot meaningfully consent
• Trafficked people are controlled and forced to work or provide services
• Traffickers profit from the ongoing exploitation of victims

Human smuggling

• Always involves crossing an international border
• Usually happens with the person's consent
• Once the smuggled person arrives at their destination, they are generally free to go
• Smugglers make money by charging fees for the journey

Despite these differences, smuggled persons may still become trafficking victims either during travel or once they arrive at their destination.

Statistics on human trafficking

Canada is a source, destination, and transit country for victims of human trafficking. This includes trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labour. Statistics Canada reports that from 2014 to 2024:

• Over 5,000 cases of human trafficking were reported to police
• Most cases (85%) were reported in census metropolitan areas^{Footnote 1}
• Most victims (93%) were women and girls
• Of the victims with known ages, the largest proportion (41%) were aged 18 to 24, followed by those aged 25 to 34 (24%) and younger than 18 (22%)
• Most people accused of human trafficking (82%) were men and boys

Visit Statistics Canada's "Trafficking in persons in Canada, 2024", Juristat for more data on human trafficking in Canada between 2014 and 2024.

Legislation against human trafficking

Canada has comprehensive laws to combat human trafficking under the Criminal Code, which prohibits trafficking in persons as well as other exploitative conduct related to human trafficking. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) also targets cross-border trafficking. Section 118 of the IRPA prohibits knowingly organizing the coming into Canada of one or more persons by means of abduction, fraud, deception, or use or threat of force or coercion. The offence is punishable by a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1 million.

To learn more, visit the Department of Justice's webpage on Canadian legislation on Human Trafficking.

Date modified:

2026-05-06