U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Canada

Canada (Tier 1)

Canada is a destination and a transit point to the United States for women, children, and men trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation, labor and the drug trade. Trafficking victims originate primarily in China, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

The government meets the minimum standards to combat trafficking of persons in terms of law enforcement, protection of victims and prevention. Canada passed a new immigration law in 2001, which outlaws trafficking in persons. The police actively investigate cases of trafficking, and a limited number of traffickers have been convicted under related laws. With regard to victim protection, victims of crime, including trafficked victims, have various services available to them, such as health care, legal, and other social services. Trafficking victims are also eligible to apply for permanent residency status. The government sometimes encourages victims to testify against their traffickers, but with mixed results because witness protection is not always available. In terms of prevention, Canada has a variety of initiatives, including funding for anti-trafficking initiatives in many source countries. Immigration control officers are deployed at many foreign missions to reduce the incidence of illegal migration. An interdepartmental working group on trafficking in women coordinates national efforts. There have been several task forces, which focused on the sex trade, illegal migration of minors, and sexual exploitation of minors. Canada works closely with NGOs and international organizations on anti-trafficking initiatives.