Human trafficking in Thunder Bay prompts local awareness efforts

Statistics Canada data shows Thunder Bay had the highest average annual human trafficking rate in Canada from 2014 to 2024, and a local coalition held an awareness event to share information about signs and resources.

Local organizations in Thunder Bay, Ontario, are running awareness activities about human trafficking. Federal data reported by Statistics Canada shows Thunder Bay had the country's highest average annual rate from 2014 to 2024. The Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, formed in 2018, brought information to an event at the Intercity Shopping Centre ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Coalition members said the group is not funded and currently shares resources on its website. Key details: - Statistics Canada reported more than 5,000 human trafficking incidents to police across Canada between 2014 and 2024. - Thunder Bay's average annual rate was reported as 8.0 per 100,000 population, compared with the national average of 1.5 per 100,000. - The Thunder Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, formed in 2018, includes law enforcement, health, education and social service providers and held an outreach event at a local shopping centre. - Coalition members said they are unfunded volunteers who share information online; the report identified migrants, youth in care, Indigenous women and girls, and people experiencing poverty as groups at higher risk. Summary: The reported figures highlight a higher concentration of police-reported human trafficking incidents in Thunder Bay during the 2014–2024 period and have prompted community-led outreach and education. University students and local agencies are focusing on demystifying media portrayals and sharing local resources. Undetermined at this time.