CALGARY – July 30, 2025
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons (the Alberta Centre) is calling attention to the continued need for coordinated, survivor-focused action to combat human trafficking in all its forms, including: sex, labour, and organ trafficking.
Launched in February 2025, the Alberta Centre was established by the community in partnership with the Government of Alberta after extensive consultation with stakeholders across sectors to address the growing issue of human trafficking in the province. The Alberta Centre has been working across sectors to address the realities of human trafficking in Alberta. With more than 93 per cent of reported trafficking cases in Canada involving domestic victims, trafficking is happening right here in Alberta.
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“Human trafficking is happening in our cities, towns and communities, often in plain sight, on this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a person: someone’s child, friend, or loved one, exploited through force, fraud or coercion.”
Paul Brandt, Co-Chair of the Alberta Centre.
The Alberta Centre is responsive to the conclusions and calls to action outlined in the Reading Stone Report, and built on the strategic pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and empowerment. Its work is grounded in a made-in-Alberta model, and it brings together survivors, community organizations, government, law enforcement and the private sector to ensure responses are trauma-informed, relational, and effective.
Efforts by the Alberta Centre are disrupting human trafficking in the province:
- Strengthening Alberta’s community response by supporting collaborative networks and sector-specific training for police, health workers, housing agencies and more.
- Raising awareness through public campaigns, media engagement, and outreach that educates Albertans on recognizing the signs of trafficking.
- Supporting survivors by working with frontline organizations, including access to exit pathways, legal support, and housing.
- Engaging in policy development and advocacy to close gaps in provincial oversight of labour exploitation and ensure legislation and policy is survivor-focused.
The realities of human trafficking are uncomfortable and stark:
- Sex trafficking involves individuals from all walks of life, with females aged 13-17 at the highest risk. Often hidden in plain sight, it can happen anywhere, to anyone – often at the hands of someone trusted.
- $280,800 is the amount traffickers make per victim, per year.
- Labour trafficking victims are forced to work in unsafe, degrading conditions, often affecting newcomers and migrant workers.
- Organ trafficking involves the illegal and exploitative removal of human organs and tissues to be sold for profit.
- 150 billion per year is the annual global profits of human trafficking.
The Alberta Centre is committed to bringing together individuals, communities, social services, businesses, law enforcement and government bodies.
“Human trafficking is a societal issue that requires an ongoing focus and collective action. Our collaborative efforts remind us that when we work together across agencies and sectors, we build the foundation for meaningful change,” says Brandt. “The coordinated, Indigenous-informed and community-led model we are building in Alberta is unlike anything else in Canada.”
Recognizing the Risk Factors and Taking Action
Traffickers often target those facing barriers or marginalization. In Alberta, individuals most at risk include Indigenous youth, newcomers, young women and girls, and temporary foreign
workers. Labour trafficking, in particular, continues to grow and often remains invisible within legitimate industries like construction, cleaning, hospitality and agriculture. The biggest risk factor in being trafficked is simply being a girl.
On this international day of recognition, the Alberta Centre urges Albertans to:
- Learn the signs of human trafficking and where to report suspicious activity
- Support survivors and frontline organizations
- Call for systems change that protects vulnerable people and holds traffickers accountable
Media Contacts:
Mike Brown
For the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons
[email protected]
(587) 590-4465