In this issue: Temporary Resident Permit Report, new regulations for Temporary Foreign Worker Program proposed and more...
Issue No. 9 - July 2013
E-BULLETIN CONTENTS
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Important policy developments on trafficking
New Regulations for Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Proposed
On 8 June the government proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) on the TFWP. The proposed amendments are primarily designed to give the government additional powers to investigate and monitor employer compliance with the program after temporary foreign workers (TFWs) have been hired. One of the objectives is to protect TFWs from abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.
The CCR has previously called for the proactive enforcement of laws protecting against abuse of migrant workers by employers and recruiters, including through the monitoring of work places or conditions of employment.
The proposal to strengthen enforcement through regulations is therefore encouraging. Unfortunately, regulations need to be applied, and the announcement specifies that there are no additional resources for enforcement. It has already been noted that enforcement measures by the federal government are weak. In spite of complaints from migrant workers, abusive employers are often still not held accountable for their actions.
In addition, while monitoring and investigation efforts are crucial to identify possible situations of exploitation and trafficking, the proposed amendments do not consider the root factors related to the structure of the program that make migrant workers vulnerable to such abuses. One of the main factors contributing to this is that work permits are tied to a specific employer: this makes it difficult for migrant workers to complain because they risk losing their only possible employment in Canada.
The abuses and exploitation that occur under the TFWP have been well documented by the CCR’s Migrant Workers Campaign: http://ccrweb.ca/en/migrant-workers.
The CCR has also commented on the government’s previous amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act barring foreign workers from receiving work permits for businesses linked to the sex trade. These are available at: http://ccrweb.ca/en/comments-bill-c10-trafficking.
Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, Canada Gazette, Vol. 147, No. 23 — June 8, 2013: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2013/2013-06-08/html/reg1-eng.html.
On 8 June the government proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) on the TFWP. The proposed amendments are primarily designed to give the government additional powers to investigate and monitor employer compliance with the program after temporary foreign workers (TFWs) have been hired. One of the objectives is to protect TFWs from abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.
The CCR has previously called for the proactive enforcement of laws protecting against abuse of migrant workers by employers and recruiters, including through the monitoring of work places or conditions of employment.
The proposal to strengthen enforcement through regulations is therefore encouraging. Unfortunately, regulations need to be applied, and the announcement specifies that there are no additional resources for enforcement. It has already been noted that enforcement measures by the federal government are weak. In spite of complaints from migrant workers, abusive employers are often still not held accountable for their actions.
In addition, while monitoring and investigation efforts are crucial to identify possible situations of exploitation and trafficking, the proposed amendments do not consider the root factors related to the structure of the program that make migrant workers vulnerable to such abuses. One of the main factors contributing to this is that work permits are tied to a specific employer: this makes it difficult for migrant workers to complain because they risk losing their only possible employment in Canada.
The abuses and exploitation that occur under the TFWP have been well documented by the CCR’s Migrant Workers Campaign: http://ccrweb.ca/en/migrant-workers.
The CCR has also commented on the government’s previous amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act barring foreign workers from receiving work permits for businesses linked to the sex trade. These are available at: http://ccrweb.ca/en/comments-bill-c10-trafficking.
Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, Canada Gazette, Vol. 147, No. 23 — June 8, 2013: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2013/2013-06-08/html/reg1-eng.html.
International developments
U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2013 Released
On 19 June the U.S. Department of State released its 2013 global report on trafficking in persons. The TIP Report is published every year and provides a summary of almost every country’s response to trafficking as well as their compliance with the U.S. Department of State’s standards. Even though the report considers Canada to be a country that complies with these standards, it urges it to improve in the areas of:
On 19 June the U.S. Department of State released its 2013 global report on trafficking in persons. The TIP Report is published every year and provides a summary of almost every country’s response to trafficking as well as their compliance with the U.S. Department of State’s standards. Even though the report considers Canada to be a country that complies with these standards, it urges it to improve in the areas of:
- Service provision for trafficked persons;
- Increasing education and prevention efforts;
- Strengthening collaboration and coordination between stakeholders.
For more information and to download the full report, please visit: http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2013/index.htm.
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Works to Protect Trafficked Children
CIDA has announced that efforts to promote child and youth safety and security abroad include a focus on trafficking and seek to promote the human rights of those who are at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Efforts include providing support to specific regions in addressing the factors that make children and youth vulnerable to trafficking and promoting gender equality and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.
CIDA News Release: International day of innocent children victims of aggression, June 4 2013: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/acdi-cida.nsf/eng/ANN-649430-J4F.
Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking Examined by United Nations
On 13 May, UN officials met to examine the progress achieved so far by the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The meeting included a discussion of existing legal instruments relevant to trafficking in persons and effective partnerships to protect and assist trafficked persons and also examined best practices and lessons learned from prevention and prosecution efforts in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. The Plan was adopted in 2010 and calls for the integration of the fight against trafficking in persons into the UN’s larger programs aimed at advancing development and strengthening security internationally.
UN Member States appraise Global Action Plan to combat human trafficking, UN News Centre, 13 May 2013: http://bit.ly/19hzfx4.
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Works to Protect Trafficked Children
CIDA has announced that efforts to promote child and youth safety and security abroad include a focus on trafficking and seek to promote the human rights of those who are at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Efforts include providing support to specific regions in addressing the factors that make children and youth vulnerable to trafficking and promoting gender equality and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.
CIDA News Release: International day of innocent children victims of aggression, June 4 2013: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/acdi-cida.nsf/eng/ANN-649430-J4F.
Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking Examined by United Nations
On 13 May, UN officials met to examine the progress achieved so far by the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The meeting included a discussion of existing legal instruments relevant to trafficking in persons and effective partnerships to protect and assist trafficked persons and also examined best practices and lessons learned from prevention and prosecution efforts in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. The Plan was adopted in 2010 and calls for the integration of the fight against trafficking in persons into the UN’s larger programs aimed at advancing development and strengthening security internationally.
UN Member States appraise Global Action Plan to combat human trafficking, UN News Centre, 13 May 2013: http://bit.ly/19hzfx4.
Reports and media
New CCR Report: Temporary Resident Permits: Limits to Protection for Trafficked Persons
In May 2006, the Canadian government issued guidelines for temporary resident permits (TRPs) for trafficked non-citizens. This represented an important step towards recognition of the protection needs of trafficked persons, and TRPs remain the main avenue to protection offered under Canada’s immigration legislation. However, experience has shown that, even with the TRPs, there are continuing gaps in access to protection and rights for trafficked persons. Trafficked persons continue to fall through the cracks.
The CCR has issued a new report, Temporary Resident Permits: Limits to protection for trafficked persons that examines shortcomings, including the following:
In May 2006, the Canadian government issued guidelines for temporary resident permits (TRPs) for trafficked non-citizens. This represented an important step towards recognition of the protection needs of trafficked persons, and TRPs remain the main avenue to protection offered under Canada’s immigration legislation. However, experience has shown that, even with the TRPs, there are continuing gaps in access to protection and rights for trafficked persons. Trafficked persons continue to fall through the cracks.The CCR has issued a new report, Temporary Resident Permits: Limits to protection for trafficked persons that examines shortcomings, including the following:
- Access to TRPs is limited in practice, and now in law;
- When trafficked persons do receive TRPs, their rights are restricted;
- Options for receiving permanent protection are uncertain;
- Trafficked persons continue to be detained and deported.
While the CCR acknowledges the many positive aspects of the permit, it continues to call for clearer statutory protection for trafficked non-citizens.
The report is available online at: http://ccrweb.ca/en/temporary-resident-permit-report.
Media Reports
National
Canada passes grade in US human trafficking report; China and Russia downgraded to world’s worst, Vancouver Sun, 19 June 2013: http://bit.ly/1bXfOXr.
More Canadians would pay extra for products free of child labour, shows poll, The Wall Street Journal, 10 June 2013: http://on.wsj.com/13SaqSw.
Alberta
Calgary police charge 3 men with human trafficking, prostitution, CTV News, 11 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18xkRBF.
Calgary cops rescue teens during sex-trade sting, Sun News, 10 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18pT2Lr.
Campaign aims to raise awareness of human trafficking, Edmonton Journal, 2 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18LdUvL.
British Columbia
Human-trafficking conviction in nanny’s case hailed as precedent-setting, The Globe and Mail, 28 June 2013: http://bit.ly/14ArGMd.
B.C. moves to prevent exploitation of live-in caregivers, CBC News British Columbia, 27 June 2013: http://bit.ly/13b8iJ4.
Man convicted of human trafficking in B.C. Filipino nanny case, CTV News, 27 June 2013: http://bit.ly/17JcI9G.
Labour lawyer: Foreign nannies, fearful of immigration status, at the mercy of employers, The Province, 1 June 2013: http://bit.ly/19hsDik.
Alleged human trafficking of nanny lands couple in court, CBC News, 30 May 2013: http://bit.ly/ZxYacs.
Ontario
Couple charged with human trafficking first in London Police history, Metro London, 12 July 2013: http://bit.ly/1bJ6DfR.
The report is available online at: http://ccrweb.ca/en/temporary-resident-permit-report.
Media Reports
National
Canada passes grade in US human trafficking report; China and Russia downgraded to world’s worst, Vancouver Sun, 19 June 2013: http://bit.ly/1bXfOXr.
More Canadians would pay extra for products free of child labour, shows poll, The Wall Street Journal, 10 June 2013: http://on.wsj.com/13SaqSw.
Alberta
Calgary police charge 3 men with human trafficking, prostitution, CTV News, 11 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18xkRBF.
Calgary cops rescue teens during sex-trade sting, Sun News, 10 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18pT2Lr.
Campaign aims to raise awareness of human trafficking, Edmonton Journal, 2 June 2013: http://bit.ly/18LdUvL.
British Columbia
Human-trafficking conviction in nanny’s case hailed as precedent-setting, The Globe and Mail, 28 June 2013: http://bit.ly/14ArGMd.
B.C. moves to prevent exploitation of live-in caregivers, CBC News British Columbia, 27 June 2013: http://bit.ly/13b8iJ4.
Man convicted of human trafficking in B.C. Filipino nanny case, CTV News, 27 June 2013: http://bit.ly/17JcI9G.
Labour lawyer: Foreign nannies, fearful of immigration status, at the mercy of employers, The Province, 1 June 2013: http://bit.ly/19hsDik.
Alleged human trafficking of nanny lands couple in court, CBC News, 30 May 2013: http://bit.ly/ZxYacs.
Ontario
Couple charged with human trafficking first in London Police history, Metro London, 12 July 2013: http://bit.ly/1bJ6DfR.
Announcements
Upcoming CCR Starter Toolkit for Awareness-Raising on Trafficking in Persons
The CCR is developing a Starter Toolkit intended for organizations and individuals wishing to start or enhance existing outreach and awareness-raising activities on trafficking in persons in their own communities and among various sectors.
The Starter Toolkit builds from existing resources and includes new tools as start-up materials for groups wanting to raise awareness about trafficking. It aims to guide organizations in different sectors through their outreach and awareness-raising efforts by allowing them to build from tools that have already been developed and to avoid the duplication of work.
Stay tuned! The Starter Toolkit will soon be available online at: trafficking.ca.
Anniversary of National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking – NGOs Call for its Implementation and Enhancement
6 June 2013 marked the first anniversary of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (NAP). On this day, leading anti-trafficking organizations issued a statement recognizing the government’s commitment to addressing trafficking in persons. The organizations also urge the government to strengthen the implementation efforts of the NAP and to enhance its ongoing anti-trafficking efforts.
The areas highlighted as needing increased attention include:
The CCR is developing a Starter Toolkit intended for organizations and individuals wishing to start or enhance existing outreach and awareness-raising activities on trafficking in persons in their own communities and among various sectors.
The Starter Toolkit builds from existing resources and includes new tools as start-up materials for groups wanting to raise awareness about trafficking. It aims to guide organizations in different sectors through their outreach and awareness-raising efforts by allowing them to build from tools that have already been developed and to avoid the duplication of work.
Stay tuned! The Starter Toolkit will soon be available online at: trafficking.ca.
Anniversary of National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking – NGOs Call for its Implementation and Enhancement
6 June 2013 marked the first anniversary of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (NAP). On this day, leading anti-trafficking organizations issued a statement recognizing the government’s commitment to addressing trafficking in persons. The organizations also urge the government to strengthen the implementation efforts of the NAP and to enhance its ongoing anti-trafficking efforts.
The areas highlighted as needing increased attention include:
- Awareness-raising and further work with the private sector in order to provide greater transparency on international supply chains;
- Education among Canadians about trafficking;
- Increased victim support;
- Enhanced and sustained research and data on the nature of trafficking within and involving Canada.
To read the statement, please see: http://bit.ly/15O5mAy.
Launching of Quebec Coalition against Human Trafficking (Coalition québécoise contre la traite des personnes)
On 11 April, the Quebec Coalition against Human Trafficking was launched during the Symposium on Human Trafficking hosted by the Committee of action against human trafficking national and international (CATHII) (Comité d’action contre la traite interne et internationale).
This Coalition was initiated by CATHII and gathers public, para-governmental, community and non-governmental organizations directly concerned with the issue of trafficking and/or offering assistance and support to victims of human trafficking in the province of Quebec. This Coalition aims to mobilize organizations and affected actors around common goals, to improve the protection and identification of human trafficking victims in the province of Quebec, to promote awareness on the issue of trafficking and to ensure an adequate support to victims and a better integration of existing resources and services.
For further information, please visit CATHII’s website: http://www.cathii.org or contact info@cathii.org.
Online Training Initiative to Address Human Trafficking, MCIS Language Services
MCIS Language Services is currently developing a series of training materials for service providers working with victims of human trafficking. The project is funded by the Province of Ontario, through Ontario Victim Services. It involves the development of an online training component and handbook, which will offer service providers across Ontario resources, tools and tips to assist them in meeting the unique needs of trafficked persons. It will include content on human trafficking indicators, victim scenarios, first response practices, safety planning, victim stabilization and service linkages and referrals, among others. The project is currently in the planning and research phase, and the online training is expected to become available to all service providers across Ontario by December 1, 2013.
To receive additional information and updates on this project or to share your organization’s experience in working with victims and survivors of trafficking please contact the project manager, Veronica Costea, at 416-426-7051 ext. 721 or veronica@mcis.on.ca.
Launching of Quebec Coalition against Human Trafficking (Coalition québécoise contre la traite des personnes)
On 11 April, the Quebec Coalition against Human Trafficking was launched during the Symposium on Human Trafficking hosted by the Committee of action against human trafficking national and international (CATHII) (Comité d’action contre la traite interne et internationale).
This Coalition was initiated by CATHII and gathers public, para-governmental, community and non-governmental organizations directly concerned with the issue of trafficking and/or offering assistance and support to victims of human trafficking in the province of Quebec. This Coalition aims to mobilize organizations and affected actors around common goals, to improve the protection and identification of human trafficking victims in the province of Quebec, to promote awareness on the issue of trafficking and to ensure an adequate support to victims and a better integration of existing resources and services.
For further information, please visit CATHII’s website: http://www.cathii.org or contact info@cathii.org.
Online Training Initiative to Address Human Trafficking, MCIS Language Services
MCIS Language Services is currently developing a series of training materials for service providers working with victims of human trafficking. The project is funded by the Province of Ontario, through Ontario Victim Services. It involves the development of an online training component and handbook, which will offer service providers across Ontario resources, tools and tips to assist them in meeting the unique needs of trafficked persons. It will include content on human trafficking indicators, victim scenarios, first response practices, safety planning, victim stabilization and service linkages and referrals, among others. The project is currently in the planning and research phase, and the online training is expected to become available to all service providers across Ontario by December 1, 2013.
To receive additional information and updates on this project or to share your organization’s experience in working with victims and survivors of trafficking please contact the project manager, Veronica Costea, at 416-426-7051 ext. 721 or veronica@mcis.on.ca.
Trafficking-related events
Walk With Me Ride for Refuge Event across Canada, 5 October 2013In 2012 Walk With Me first partnered with Ride for Refuge, a non-competitive bicycling fundraiser with locations across Canada and the United States. The organization rode with 175 other charitable partners who care for the displaced, vulnerable and the exploited.
This year the Ride for Refuge biking event will be held in cities across Canada on Saturday, October 5, 2013. There are multiple routes (typically 10, 25, 50 km) so both families and diehard bikers alike can participate!
You can join by either:
- Becoming a Team Captain in your city
- Registering to ride with a team that has already been formed
- Sponsoring riders and spread the news that Walk With Me is fundraising to continue its front line work to support victims of human trafficking.
Training on Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Exploitation, National Police Academy of Quebec, Nicolet, QC, 16 - 17 October, 2013
The Criminal Intelligence Service Quebec is organizing a two-day training on Trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation: Learn to better intervene. The training will take place the 16 and 17 October 2013 at the National Police Academy of Quebec in Nicolet.
This course is aimed at anyone involved in work on trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation.
The two-day training will be organized in the form of workshops, plenary lectures, round tables and testimonials.
For more information please contact info@srcq.gouv.qc.ca or 514-873-9511.
Freedom Relay -- Save the Date! 14 - 21 September 2013
The Freedom Relay is an effort to raise consciousness and mobilize local support to end human trafficking in communities across Canada. Funds raised are shared between international, pan-Canadian and local programs for trafficked persons. The Freedom Relay is returning to a city near you between 14 and 21 September, 2013. Form a team and register with your local organizer!
For more information about the event and participating cities, please visit: http://www.freedomrelaycanada.com.