Bill S-218

SUMMARY

This enactment amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to provide for the issuance of a victim protection permit that authorizes a foreign national who is a victim of human trafficking to remain in Canada as a temporary resident. A short-term permit may be issued for up to 180 days. A longer-term permit may be issued for a period of three years if there is a serious possibility that removal from Canada would be harmful to the victim, if the victim is willing to assist authorities in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking-related offences or if the issuance of the permit is otherwise justified in the circumstances. Provision is made for holders of victim protection permits to be eligible to receive health and social services.

The enactment also requires the Minister of Health to establish within the Department of Health a telephone hotline to assist victims of human trafficking and to provide for information services in the Department’s regional offices. It also requires the Minister to develop and implement a public awareness campaign respecting human trafficking.