CIMM – Minister’s Opening Statement – February 7, 2024

Opening Statement

Thank you, Chair.

I want to begin by acknowledging that we’re meeting on the traditional and unceded territories of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People.

I’m here today to discuss a matter we take very seriously—that is the protection of vulnerable migrants against human trafficking, smuggling, and organized crime. 

IRCC plays an important role in both combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as protecting the rights and dignity of migrants who are either entering or already in Canada. Our top priority is to maintain the integrity of our programs, 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 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 to 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. Our continued efforts are vital to ensure 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 considerable amounts of time, our immigration officers can provide immediate support if they believe an individual is a victim of smuggling or human trafficking.

In addition, we use our whole-of-government strategy to disrupt migrant smuggling attempts destined for Canada by land, air or sea, and to assist migrants stranded as a result of these activities.

We will continue to work with domestic law enforcement agencies and international partners to combat international criminal organizations that seek to profit from the desperation and vulnerability of others.

We also have measures in place to help connect victims to the services they need. IRCC may issue temporary resident permits to out-of-status human trafficking victims so they can access physical and mental health services, and prescription drug coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program. These TR permits also allow them to apply for work or study permits, and we waive some processing fees.

Workers on employer-specific work permits who experience abuse from their employer are eligible to apply for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. This is to help them leave abusive situations without jeopardizing their ability to continue working in Canada.

Between 2015 and 2023, IRCC issued 906 temporary resident permits to foreign national victims of human trafficking and their dependants. In addition, between July 2019 and December 2023, we issued 4,857 open work permits for vulnerable workers.

Another measure we’ve collectively taken is the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline. This toll-free hotline is available 24/7 and in 200 languages—including 27 Indigenous languages—to receive reports of suspected cases of human trafficking, and connects victims to community supports.

We will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to curb these heinous crimes and ensure the safety of vulnerable migrants.

Thank you. I will now take your questions.