Feb 19 • 16:36 UTC 🇨🇦 Canada Global News

‘Record high’: Calls to human trafficking hotline in Canada surge

Calls to the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline increased by 14% in 2025, reaching a record 5,900 calls.

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking reported a significant surge in calls to its hotline, which reached a record-high of over 5,900 calls in 2025, marking a 14% increase from 2024. This trend reflects a consistent rise in reported cases since the hotline's establishment in 2019, underscoring the ongoing challenges of human trafficking in Canada. Most of the calls reported involve cases of sex trafficking, but the organization has also observed a steady rise in labor trafficking incidents, indicating a broader spectrum of trafficking issues affecting the nation.

The majority of trafficking incidents have been reported in Canada’s largest provinces, with Ontario accounting for 66% of these cases. Other provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec have also reported significant trafficking incidents, though at lower rates of 11%, 9%, and 7% respectively. This highlights a geographic disparity in trafficking risks across the country, with the Prairie provinces and the Atlantic region showing lower rates of reported incidents. The findings suggest that certain areas may be more vulnerable to human trafficking, prompting calls for targeted intervention strategies in these regions.

As calls to the hotline continue to rise, the organization urges more awareness and education about human trafficking to empower potential victims to seek help. The trafficking epidemic remains a complex issue that affects vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples and migrant workers. The increase in calls Sheds light on the urgent need to address the underlying factors that contribute to human trafficking and to enhance preventive measures across Canada.

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