Group Proposes Budget to Combat Human Trafficking
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is urging federal investment after the prior national anti-trafficking plan expired.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Should the federal government increase funding and oversight to better coordinate anti-trafficking efforts?
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has submitted recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for the upcoming federal budget. These proposals aim to establish a sustainable response framework as the country currently lacks a national strategy following the expiration of the previous plan in 2024.
Why it matters
The organization seeks to formalize a new national strategy to address gaps in trafficking prevention and survivor support. With labour exploitation reports rising significantly, stakeholders are emphasizing the need for improved coordination and policy reform to protect vulnerable individuals.
Official data shows 608 instances of human trafficking reported to police in 2024, yet it is estimated that fewer than 10 per cent of victims report their experiences. Sexual exploitation currently accounts for 69 per cent of cases identified by the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.
The players
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
This is a national charitable organization dedicated to ending all types of human trafficking in Canada by working with various partners and stakeholders.
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
This parliamentary committee is responsible for studying and reporting on matters related to the federal budget and government spending.
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
This is a confidential, multilingual service that operates 24/7 to provide support and resources for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Statistics Canada
This is the national statistical agency that produces data and analysis to help Canadians better understand their country, including population, resources, and economy.
The details
The proposed funding framework incentivizes provinces to implement localized prevention and survivor accompaniment strategies. Additionally, the organization calls for policy changes, including phasing out closed work permits and creating clearer pathways from temporary to permanent residency to reduce trafficking risks.
Timeline
Labour exploitation cases averaged 24 per year between 2020 and 2022.
The previous five-year federal anti-trafficking plan expired in 2024.
Statistics Canada recorded 608 human trafficking cases reported to law enforcement in 2024.
The 2026 federal budget is scheduled for release on November 5, 2026.
The organization proposes that a new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking be published by May 2027.
Legal Context
The proposed funding framework updates the trajectory previously set by the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. The organization's submission marks a call for a new National Strategy to replace the version that expired in 2024.
The proposal aims to improve support services and safer immigration pathways for survivors, potentially reducing the prevalence of exploitation in the labour sector. Residents should be aware that these policy shifts seek to increase the effectiveness of the national anti-trafficking response.
The takeaway
Advocates are pushing for systemic policy changes as the rise in reported labour exploitation highlights critical gaps in current protective measures. A renewed national strategy is considered essential to ensure long-term support for survivors and better coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
What happens next
The 2026 federal budget is scheduled to be released on November 5, 2026, while the organization is calling for a new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking to be published by May 2027.
Further reading
For more information on national efforts, visit the Sex Crimes section.
More information
For resources and support regarding trafficking, visit the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.
Live Poll
Should the federal government increase funding and oversight to better coordinate anti-trafficking efforts?
