Labour trafficking

Human Trafficking may not always look obvious.

Labour trafficking is the control and exploitation of a person for their labour or service, usually through force, threats and deception. While labour traffickers use violence, threats, lies and illegal debts like pay deductions to make people work against their will, it often starts with opportunity.   

Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrant workers come to Canada, believing it to be “a land of opportunity.” They are an essential part of our nation’s workforce and help fuel our economy. These workers expect to be treated fairly by their employers; however, many arrive here only to face false promises, intimidation, and abuse.

Labour trafficking can occur in any industry, including those that are legal and highly regulated. It’s not confined to shadowy, illegal operations; it’s found across various sectors where coercive practices may be used to exploit workers.  

While anyone can be trafficked for their labour, temporary foreign workers are at especially high risk because of their unique circumstances: they’re often not allowed to change employers, they may not know their legal rights, they can be geographically isolated, they often experience language barriers, and they can’t access most social services. 

Many low-wage and temporary migrant workers face added risks because their ability to work in Canada depends on a single employer.

Know the signs

Labour trafficking is not always easy to spot, so it helps to know what to look for. One sign on its own might not mean that trafficking is happening. Instead, think about how the following behaviours overlap in your life or the life of someone you’re worried about. 

  • Unhealthy or unsafe living and working conditions

  • A job offer that seems too good to be true

  • Having ID, immigration papers or work permits held by someone else

  • Being coerced to work under threat of deportation or violence

  • Being escorted or watched at all times

  • Being denied access to health care and medical services

  • Working very long or unusual hours

  • Always being on-call, but without pay

  • Being forced to live on work premises or in housing provided by the employer

  • Being made to do work that isn’t included in the work agreement

  • Pay cuts that aren’t outlined by the work agreement

  • Having pay held back

  • Being forced to pay for services — like travel expenses to come to Canada — that employers are legally required to cover

  • Showing signs of fear or intimidation

  • Showing signs of abuse, including malnutrition

For more information about labour trafficking and all other forms of human trafficking, visit the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.

We’re here for you

Are you being trafficked? Do you know someone who is? Help is available. Contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, at 1-833-900-1010 or by chat 24/7.

It’s free and confidential.