Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to begin by acknowledging our presence on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
I'm here today to discuss a matter we take very seriously—the protection of vulnerable migrants against human trafficking, smuggling and organized crime.
IRCC plays a key role both in combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as protecting the rights and dignity of migrants who are either entering or are already in Canada. Our top priority is to maintain the integrity of our programs and promote safe and regular migration, while also ensuring that we are humane and compassionate in our approach towards migrants.
Victims may enter Canada through a number of routes, whether as international students, workers, caregivers and visitors, or with a non-valid immigration status.
It should be noted that, with nearly 110 million people displaced globally, the world is facing a global migration crisis, and Canada is of course not alone in feelings its impacts. In particular, we are seeing unprecedented levels of migration and forced displacement from the Americas.
Our priority has always been and will always remain preserving the integrity of our immigration system, while also ensuring that we are fair and compassionate towards those fleeing persecution.
We continue to work with our global partners to promote safe and regular pathways of migration, which includes our commitment to welcome 15,000 people from the Americas.
Through the national strategy to combat human trafficking, my department also works with national and international partners to detect traffickers and offer programs and support for victims, importantly. Our continued efforts are vital to ensure that Canada eliminates criminal organizations that are taking advantage of vulnerable migrants.
Statistics Canada reports that 96% of human trafficking victims are women and girls. Of those, nearly 70% are under the age of 25, with sexual exploitation cited as a common motivator for traffickers. We can't look the other way on such atrocious acts.
Based on police reporting, we know that approximately 30% of human trafficking incidents are related to immigration. One incident is too many. Our immigration officers work in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP to combat this.
As well, since police investigations and prosecutions can take a considerable amount of time, our immigration officers can provide immediate support if they believe an individual is a victim of smuggling or human trafficking.
In addition—