Learn More About Human Trafficking
Education creates safer spaces. Educating our community about human trafficking increases the number of victims and survivors who seek our support. Building a community-based response to trafficking requires a network of individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond safely and independently.
Human trafficking is a severe human rights violation.
Traffickers prey on vulnerability — people who are most vulnerable often have little to no resources.
We know victims often don’t come forward on their own. They may fear physical or psychological coercion, mistrust authorities, have a language barrier, don’t know how to find help, or in some cases, may not even realize they are being trafficked. Many community members also have misconceptions about what human trafficking truly involves. We can’t address this issue alone—we depend on our partners, who in turn depend on us, to ensure that victims and survivors receive the resources and support they need.
Critical supports
By offering nuanced, trauma-informed care, we support survivors in escaping their abusers and beginning their journey toward self-determination.
Education creates safer spaces
Educating our community about trafficking increases the number of victims and survivors who seek our help. Building strong partnerships enhances our community’s ability to address this hidden crime effectively. Access to evidence-based research improves our ability to identify and assist victims and survivors.
We are committed to this work because we believe a brighter future is possible — a future where Alberta is free of human trafficking. We think that’s a future worth striving for.
Human Trafficking Myths
Human trafficking is often misunderstood due to common myths and misconceptions that can prevent people from recognizing signs or understanding how exploitation really happens. Raising awareness starts with learning the facts. Below are some common myths about human trafficking.
Click on each myth below to reveal the fact and learn more about human trafficking.
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Fact: Human trafficking occurs in urban, rural, and suburban communities and in every country, including Canada.
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Fact: Any situation where a person is controlled, coerced and exploited for profit can be trafficking. There is more awareness of sex trafficking, but many experts believe there are more situations of labour trafficking than of sex trafficking worldwide.
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Fact: While traffickers may occasionally target strangers, many victims are exploited by someone they already know or know indirectly. This can include friends, family members, intimate partners, employers, or acquaintances. Traffickers often rely on existing trust, emotional connections, or power imbalances to gain control.
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Fact: Labour trafficking is happening in legal, fully registered businesses in Canada. This includes places such as farms, construction sites, beauty salons, restaurants, massage parlours, and private homes
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Fact: People of all gender identities and ages can be trafficked. Men, boys, women, girls, and gender‑diverse individuals are all affected. Those facing economic hardship, social isolation, or discrimination are particularly at risk.
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Fact: While they are often confused, human trafficking and human smuggling are two distinct crimes.
Human smuggling happens when someone pays another person to transport them across international borders. Human trafficking victims are typically moved from place to place without their consent.
Smugglers make their profits through fees paid to them by the people being smuggled. Traffickers make a profit by exploiting their victims.
Many human trafficking victims enter Canada legally with a valid passport, work permit or visa. Someone who was smuggled into Canada is here illegally.
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Fact: Trafficking is not always obvious. Victims can appear independent, employed, or well cared for while still being controlled or exploited.
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Fact: While some traffickers do use force, it is not present in all trafficking situations. Most traffickers use psychological means such as manipulating, threatening, or defrauding victims to gain control over them rather than physical restraint.
Do you need help?
You are not alone.
If you (or someone you know) is a survivor of human trafficking, we can help get the support you need.
If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911.