Human trafficking is experienced very differently in communities across Canada. Depending on where you are or what your background is, the language is different and what it looks like is different. We need to be working in partnership and funding frontline organizations so that we're really in tune with the realities on the ground.
Unfortunately, the term “human trafficking” is a dirty term among most of our youth in Canada. It takes a lot for someone to identify as a human trafficking survivor or victim. Sometimes they choose to never do so.
We need to see targeted, thoughtful and evidence-based outreach strategies so that we're developing materials for prevention but also supporting and being responsive to the realities on the ground.