There were 3,996 cases of human trafficking reported in Canada from 2012 to 2022. Despite anti‑trafficking legislation, reported incidents actually increased annually during this period. The hidden nature of trafficking makes it difficult to determine the true extent of this heinous crime. We see high gender disparity and disproportionality in sex-trafficking victims. The previous National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking expired in 2016, and it took three years of advocacy before a new plan was introduced. The current National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking expires in two months.

Major anti-trafficking groups warn that to date the government has conducted no —

Senator Gold, delays risk undermining progress that law enforcement and civil society have made in their anti-trafficking efforts, as demonstrated in the three-year implementation gap of the previous plans. Recognizing this, more than 30 anti-trafficking groups reached out to government over a year ago, requesting consultations to renew the plan. Advocate input can inform the government as to what strategies have been successful. Will the government commit to consultations?