International students are being sexually exploited, trafficked, says Brampton mayor

Brampton is calling attention to the exploitation of international students, particularly young women, who face coercion by landlords, employers, and romantic partners. Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Rowena Santos advocate for federal and provincial reforms, including policy changes to reduce students’ vulnerability to trafficking. Local services report many cases of exploitation going unreported due to students’ fear of deportation and cultural stigma. The city seeks to establish a support hub to provide housing, mental health support, and anti-trafficking resources to international students.