Trafficking in Persons

How to get help in Canada

Here are some things to know if you are under the control of traffickers in Canada.

9-1-1 emergency services

Press 9-1-1 on a telephone in any city in Canada and you will be immediately connected to the police, fire department and ambulance service. The system automatically tells the person answering the phone where you are. You don’t have to say anything. You can tell the person what language you speak. There may be someone there who can talk to you in your language. If you can speak some English or French, try to explain why you called. The person who answers your call will send the police, fire or ambulance service to where you are immediately.

Emergency shelters

Most cities and towns have safe places where you can go right away if you have nowhere to live or if you are in danger and need a safe place to stay. You can find the telephone number in the telephone book, at the library or from the police.

Doctor and hospital care

If you are sick, you can go to a doctor’s office or hospital. In some cities there are health clinics where you can get medical care without answering any questions about who you are or what work you do.

Community help

Many groups in Canada help people in trouble. There are rape crisis services, houses for abused women, organizations for newcomers to Canada, legal clinics for people who cannot afford a lawyer, special services for victims of crime and religious groups that provide many different support services. People from your home country who now live in Canada may get together to support and help each other. You can find out how to reach these groups at a community centre, at a public library, in the phone book or by asking people.

Unfair working conditions

Canadian laws require employers to pay employees a set minimum wage and to provide some other job benefits. A Ministry of Labour office can give you information and assistance if you are not being paid fairly, do not get time off or have to work in dangerous conditions.