Sunday Marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on Feb. 22 to raise awareness of human trafficking and to promote action against this crime, both within Canada and internationally.

In Canada, human trafficking frequently involves coercion, abuse of power or the exploitation of vulnerabilities. In many cases, victims are trafficked in their own communities.

To address this serious issue, the Guelph Police Service created an integrated Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking (IPV/HT) Unit in 2024, marking a significant shift in how the service and its community partners support survivors and investigate these highly connected issues. The Guelph Police Service allocated additional resources to the unit and implemented training across the service to help officers better recognize potential instances of human trafficking.

Additionally, the service conducts significant outreach to help people learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones and what to watch for to help victims. In 2025, officers did presentations to more than 1,500 educators, parents, youth, service providers and hospitality workers to raise awareness and share information about how to report concerns.

If someone is being trafficked, knows someone who is, or has information or questions about Human Trafficking, they can contact:

• Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212 or humantraffickingunit@guelphpolice.ca
• Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010
• Anonymous tips can be left at CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.csgw.tips
  

Background

The day commemorates a 2007 House of Commons motion that formally condemned human trafficking and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to combating this serious human rights violation. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day serves as a call to action, encouraging public education and meaningful intervention. Human trafficking in Canada often involves sexual exploitation and forced labour and does not always require border crossings.

Organizations across the country continue to play a critical role in prevention and response efforts. Groups such as NotInMyCity partner with airports and transportation hubs to train staff to recognize potential indicators of trafficking, including visible fear, signs of physical restraint, or a lack of control over personal identification documents.

Formally recognized by the Government of Canada, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day underscores the importance of education, vigilance, and collaboration. Canadians are encouraged to learn the signs of human trafficking and to take action to help protect vulnerable individuals and communities.