U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Canada

Canada (Tier 1)

Canada is a primarily a transit and destination country for trafficking in persons, primarily from East Asia (especially China and Korea), Eastern Europe, Russia, and Honduras. There are also isolated cases of Canadian minors trafficked by pimps to the United States for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Victims of trafficking who come to Canada are young women trafficked for purposes of prostitution or persons destined for manual labor in restaurants, sweatshops, and agricultural work.

The Government of Canada meets the minimum standards in combating trafficking in persons. The law does not specifically prohibit trafficking, but the Government actively investigates and prosecutes trafficking cases using sections of the criminal code and immigration law. In Toronto alone, officials conducted over 700 arrests for trafficking-related crimes in 2000. The penalties used for trafficking are commensurate with those for rape or sexual assault, although aggravated sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. An interdepartmental working group on trafficking in women coordinates national efforts. Victims may apply for permanent residence under the "Humanitarian and Compassionate" provisions of the Immigration Act. The Government provides funding for victim assistance programs in Canada and supports prevention efforts in source countries through NGO's in Canada. Victims may be deported if they have committed a crime. Canada does not have standardized protection provisions for foreign minors.