The first statistics on human trafficking in Canada were released yesterday by legal experts from the University of British Columbia.
The data found that Romania, Moldova, the Philippines and China are the top source countries for foreign victims of human trafficking here.
These findings, along with data on 31 people brought to Canada from 2006 to 2008 as trafficking victims, will be presented today and tomorrow in Vancouver at an international conference on human trafficking.
“Until now (we’ve had) very broad estimates, and we hope that by having these real cases we’ll better understand the problem and have better, more effective responses,” said Benjamin Perrin, a professor in the faculty of law at UBC.
“Predominantly they are exploited in the sex trade and there were a number that were also victims of forced labour.”
Perrin said victims were forced, coerced or conned into coming to Canada.
“When they get here (many are) told they have a massive debt they need to repay for travel and accommodation, which keeps them compliant and unable to leave.”
He said the 31 cases are the “tip of the trafficking iceberg,” adding that the statistics don’t include domestic trafficking cases or situations where victims have returned to their home countries.
“A lot more work is needed to better identify and assist victims,” he said.
