Adapting to Canada's Need for Human Trafficking Preventative Education

Abstract

As undeniably beautiful as Canada is, it also has been identified as a country rampant with human trafficking and this horror, hidden in plain sight, can no longer be ignored (Public Safety Canada, 2024). Fortunately, educational landscapes are beginning to adapt in response. In 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Education mandated all publicly funded schools to receive training on human trafficking, with a focus on recognizing signs of sexual exploitation in their students, and to deliver curriculum on this ever-growing problem (Ministry of Education, 2023). As a teacher educator and doctoral student in education specializing in curriculum, I will describe my doctoral work with in-service teachers and discuss other areas to raise awareness, including faculties of education that must prepare pre-service teacher candidates for the responsibility that awaits them, and more institutions who serve vulnerable groups.