World Cup trafficking fears spur safeguards in Vancouver and Toronto

Prestige, patriotism, and spectacle are coming to Canada with the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11, but history shows a seedy underbelly will accompany the world’s biggest single-sport competition: a significant surge in human trafficking.

That concern carries particular relevance for Vancouver and Toronto, the two Canadian host cities that will stage 13 of the tournament’s 104 matches, seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto.

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking says major sporting events can create conditions that increase the risk of labour exploitation and sex trafficking, as infrastructure projects, temporary service-sector jobs and large influxes of tourists create opportunities for abuse.

Nearly three years ago, the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking developed recommendations to curb exploitation and abuse, particularly labour exploitation, that it disseminated to the federal government, the Ontario and B.C. provincial governments, and the municipal leadership of Toronto and Vancouver.

Ashley Franssen-Tingley, director of partnerships for the centre, said conversations have already taken place with Vancouver’s frontline responders as officials prepare for the crowds expected during the tournament.

“We were thinking about all the training that all the staff, volunteers and police have had (about detecting trafficking),” said Franssen-Tingley. “Do the paramedics who are going to be responding in the crowds and fan zones have the proper training? Are we ensuring that the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline number is included in the training?”

Franssen-Tingley said governments and law enforcement will not be alone in raising awareness and disrupting trafficking, as non-governmental organizations are also stepping up.

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has urged policymakers to “apply an anti-human trafficking lens when designing processes and contracts to ensure that safeguards are put in place at every step.” Recommendations include proactively informing workers of their rights and streamlining reporting systems so abuse and exploitation can be reported more easily.

Catholic organizations are also stepping up awareness efforts ahead of the tournament. The Mary Ward Centre, a ministry of the Loretto Sisters in Toronto, recently participated in an international webinar examining trafficking risks connected to the World Cup and lessons learned from previous tournaments, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Eva Rodriguez-Diaz, the Mary Ward Centre’s program manager of trafficking, migrants and refugees, said churches, schools and community organizations all have a role to play in educating the public about trafficking risks and warning signs.

“It is up to us, as civil society, through our organizations, churches, schools, projects, activities and community spaces, to promote education, raise awareness and discuss the risks — how to identify them and how to prevent them,” said Rodriguez-Diaz.

Sister Sandra Ede of the Adrian Dominican Sisters said Brazil’s “A Cry for Life” network of 100 religious congregations launched a “Play in Favor of Life” campaign ahead of the 2014 World Cup, distributing educational materials in airports, hotels, bus terminals, schools and community centres, and holding public marches, prayer gatherings and prevention training.

Canadian Catholic News

Your voice matters! Join the conversation by submitting a Letter to the Editor here.