International female students at risk of abuse, sex trafficking by unscrupulous landlords in Ontario, officials say

Peel Regional Police and Brampton Councillor Rowena Santos have raised alarms over the trafficking and exploitation of international female students, highlighting coercive rental practices targeting vulnerable young women. Advocates like Gurpreet Malhotra emphasize the role of systemic issues, cultural barriers, and predatory landlords in perpetuating this abuse. Community leaders have called for reforms, including removing deportation policies tied to sex work, enhanced oversight of small landlords, and culturally sensitive support programs. While action is demanded at federal and provincial levels, the urgency remains at the local frontlines.