Brampton is taking decisive steps to end the exploitation and human trafficking of international students. Thousands of students in the city face financial hardship, housing insecurity, and inadequate institutional support, making them vulnerable to predatory landlords and traffickers, with some cases leading to exploitation, severe mental health crises, and suicides.
Even though most of the root causes of this systemic issue are outside of the city’s powers, we’ve made strides locally in response to this serious concern.
“Our community has worked hard to address the challenges faced by international students, but more must be done. This motion is about creating real, lasting change. By enhancing the RRL program and establishing a culturally sensitive support hub, we are ensuring these students have access to safe housing and the resources they need to thrive.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair, Community Services
In response to the growing number of issues over the years, Brampton and Peel Region have acted decisively since 2021. The International Students Charter “Brampton Charter – A New Revolution for International Students” and the Residential Rental Licensing Pilot “RRL Pilot” are at the core of local efforts. Councillor Santos has been a driving force behind these foundational changes in Brampton, advocating for protections that elevate the living standards of international students while helping to spearhead the creation of the Brampton Charter for International Students.
Peel Regional Police’s Human Trafficking team, among the first in Ontario, continues to play a critical role in identifying and prosecuting traffickers, raising awareness, and delivering specialized training to prevent exploitation.
“Despite local efforts to respond to this issue, Brampton cannot do this alone. The City is again reacting to an inherited problem and it’s time for those with the jurisdiction, to do something meaningful,” Santos says.
Brampton’s advocacy calls on the federal and provincial governments to review their policies and the consequences they have on vulnerable international students.
Among other requests, Santos together with the Mayor and Council, are calling on federal and provincial orders of government for stronger student visa regulations and requiring institutions to provide comprehensive orientations to international students. These orientations must include information on housing, legal rights, employment options, and protection from exploitation.
The city also calls on the federal government to increase legal working hours for international students to 40 hours per week enabling students to pursue legitimate employment and removing deportation conditions used by traffickers to coerce those who are already being sexually exploited.
Further, Brampton is advocating for tougher regulations on private colleges, the creation of a dedicated community support hub that is culturally sensitive, and enhanced access to mental health and anti-trafficking services for international students.
For additional inquiries reach out to our office: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
Delegations:
Dr. Sukhjeevan Singh Chattha
Gurpreet S. Malhotra, CEO, Indus Community Services
Dani Mills, Director, Outreach Services (nCourage)
Bob Hackenbrook : Peel Regional Police Vice Unit
Quotes
- “International students bring so much value to Brampton, but too often, they face exploitation and trafficking. This motion is a vital step toward providing them with the protections they deserve. By strengthening our local programs and calling for legislative change, we are sending a clear message: Brampton will not tolerate the exploitation of its students.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton - “The exploitation of international students is a human rights issue, and it requires a community-driven response. We welcome the City’s support to advocate for create culturally appropriate services and advocate for stronger protections, ensuring these students are empowered and safe.”
– Gurpreet Malhotra, CEO, Indus Community Services
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