Canada: Ontario invests $345M in Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

In a joint statement, Onatrio Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said human trafficking “targets our most vulnerable” and has a lasting impact on families and communities.

The government said it has launched three Children at Risk of Exploitation (CARE) units since 2021.

The units bring together child protection workers, police and Indigenous liaisons to support children and youth who have experienced trafficking or are considered at high risk.

Officials said the province is also strengthening enforcement through its intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy, which focuses on gathering intelligence, dismantling trafficking networks, and prosecuting offenders.

The government is investing $6 million between 2025 and 2027 through the Victim Support Grant program to fund 19 projects aimed at improving police support for victims of crime, including survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Additional measures include developing resources to help parents recognize warning signs of trafficking, partnering with the trucking industry to raise awareness, improving lighting and security cameras at transportation hubs such as ONroute service centres, and updating guest registry requirements for hotels and online accommodation platforms to support investigations.

The ministers said the province will continue working with service agencies and frontline workers to support survivors and strengthen prevention efforts.