If you or someone you may know needs assistance or you are immediately witnessing trafficking, please call 9-1-1 or the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-833-900-1010. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in The Niagara Region
The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region - It’s not always obvious. Sometimes, human trafficking may not look like what we imagine!
The Code of Conduct Endorsed by The Niagara Regional Council on June 26, 2025.
This endorsement means that all municipalities across the region will be encouraged to adopt the Code of Conduct. We invite you to join the wave.
We sincerely thank Councillor Laura Ip for bringing forward the motion seconded by Joyce Morocco and the Niagara Regional Council for unanimously endorsing the development of The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region. We acknowledge WAGE for the funding and federal support that made this work possible, and we thank Vance Badawey for tirelessly working alongside us to bring this funding to Niagara. We also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our Steering Committee, the CFUW Volunteer Facilitators, the many businesses, organizations, and community members who shared their voices to shape The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region.
About The Code of Conduct:
The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region, led by TOES Niagara and Brock University with financial support from WAGE, sets proactive standards for hospitality, tourism, and allied sectors to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable groups. Grounded in trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus, and culturally responsive principles, it promotes zero tolerance, survivor-centered practices, training, awareness, and accountability—positioning Niagara as a national leader in prevention and community empowerment.
Roadmap - How we got here
Why Niagara?
Niagara is a key location for human trafficking prevention due to its high volume of tourism, border proximity, and diverse hospitality industry. The region’s demand for temporary labor and transient accommodations creates conditions that traffickers could exploit. By targeting Niagara, the Code aims to transform a potential high-risk area into a model of prevention and protection, leveraging strong community partnerships and existing local expertise.
Between 2023 and 2024 the NRPS HTU observed the following statistical increases:
Increase in victims/survivors
Number of victims/survivors identified increased by 700% (total of 48 victims/survivors)
Increase in investigations
Number of human trafficking investigations increased by 61%
Increase in accusation charges
Number of accused charged increased by 190% (29 accused charged)
Increase in criminal charges
Number of criminal charges laid increased by 75% (107 criminal charges laid)
Increase in referrals
Number of referrals from the HTU to Victim Services Niagara increased by 133%
Source: Niagara Regional Police Reports
Why sign the Code?
Signing the Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention is a proactive and strategic decision for businesses in Niagara’s hospitality and tourism sector. The Code offers a comprehensive framework to help businesses protect vulnerable populations, create a safer community to live and work and promotes a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking in the Niagara region.
1. Protecting People and Upholding Values
Businesses that sign the Code commit to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and confidentiality of survivors of human trafficking. The Code promotes a trauma-informed, gender-based, and culturally responsive approach, aligning with universal human rights and ethical business practices.
2. Enhancing Reputation and Trust
Participation signals a business’ commitment to social responsibility and community safety. Signatories benefit from increased public trust, enhanced brand reputation, and recognition as leaders in ethical tourism and hospitality.
3. Access to Training and Resources
Signatories receive access to free training developed by TOES Niagara and Brock University. Staff are equipped to recognize and respond to trafficking indicators, with certification included.
4. Policy Support and Recognition
Businesses are supported in developing or enhancing internal policies to prevent trafficking and improve staff training. Businesses who sign the code will also be provided with documented recognition provided by TOES Niagara that outlines they are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking.
5. Collaboration and Networking
The Code fosters collaboration among businesses, law enforcement, community agencies, and government. Signatories join a regional movement to share best practices, strengthen prevention efforts, and influence policy reform.
6. Legal and Ethical Compliance
By aligning with national and international anti-trafficking standards, businesses reduce legal risk and demonstrate compliance with evolving legislation.
Available Training
Organizations that sign the Code of Conduct can access free, online training on human trafficking prevention through Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies. This training equips staff with the knowledge to recognize signs of trafficking, understand the impact of their actions and respond appropriately using their own company’s protocols. This initiative ensures consistent, culturally responsive education across sectors committed to ending human trafficking in Niagara.
All signatories to The Code of Conduct will be provided the link to training registration.
Steering Committee
Ready to adopt The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region? There are three easy steps to become a signatory member.
Step 1: Complete intake form here
Please complete our intake form below and we will provide you with the resources required along with getting in touch with you.
Step 2: Accept and sign The Code
After completing the form in Step 1 above, one of our team members will connect with you. We will provide you with The Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in Niagara documents to sign.
Once you have signed, you will be added to the signatory organizations below.
Step 3: Implement
After signing and becoming a signatory member, we invite your organization to join the relevant training to implement the code of conduct.
How else I can get involved
If you would like to join the steering committee or nominate someone to join the steering committee, please contact us.