The federal government is providing nearly $3.35-million in new funding for a group of survivor-focused organizations combatting human trafficking, as cases of the crime continue to rise steadily across various parts of Canada.

Nine organizations in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and British Columbia will receive the funding over three years to support projects for victims and survivors, Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced Thursday.

Mr. Fraser made the announcement on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, established by the United Nations in 2013 to push governments to take action and raise awareness about the persistent global issue.

“Today’s investment signifies an important step in our efforts to end human trafficking, and solidifying a justice system that responds to the needs of victims and survivors while putting their safety and dignity first,” Mr. Fraser wrote in a statement.

The non-profit groups intend to use the funding for a range of projects that include advocacy support for victims navigating the criminal justice system, tailored services in French and digital outreach programs on the Prairies.

Over the past decade, trafficking cases have soared in Canada, with both police-reported incidents and calls to national crisis lines hitting record highs.

Experts have said human trafficking is one of the most challenging crimes to detect, investigate or prosecute because it overlaps with issues such as drug addiction, poverty, homelessness and systemic discrimination. Often, victims may not know or believe that they are being trafficked.

Statistics Canada has repeatedly warned that human trafficking figures – including its own data, which recorded 5,070 incidents nationwide between 2014 and 2024 – only provide a partial picture of the “extremely under-reported crime.” Still, despite the caveat, the agency says recorded cases have consistently increased year after year.

More to come