Bill 41, Protection from Coerced Debts Incurred in relation to Human Trafficking Act, 2023

I've been wanting to share my thoughts on Bill-41 but finding the right words has been challenging. For many, this bill might seem distant, but for someone like me, it has a profound impact on my life.

As a survivor of human trafficking, I was forced into debt by my trafficker. Now, I'm the first trafficking survivor in Canada to have their coerced debt investigated by the Canada Revenue Agency - Agence du revenu du Canada (CRA). This process has been anything but straightforward. The CRA has not disclosed details about the investigation, won't inform me about who is involved, and only communicates with me when absolutely necessary. Many CRA employees lack trauma-informed training, making it difficult for them to understand the nuances of coerced debt and its impact on survivors. The first step in this process should involved speaking with the victim and understanding their point of view and the realities of financial coercion. However, it seems to be the last priority in this investigation process.

In the past few years, aside from the COVID period, I've reduced my coerced debt from over $25,000 to just above $5,000. However, the CRA refuses to pause my repayments during the investigation, causing significant financial strain. While the legislation's intent is commendable, its execution can be harmful to trafficking survivors. Financial burdens often push victims back into the hands of their traffickers, creating a cycle of dependence.

A better approach to handling coerced debts is essential. I'm grateful for the support of Victim Services Toronto and Project Recover in navigating this complex process. I urge everyone to educate themselves about sex trafficking and the real-world implications of these laws on survivors. This journey has been incredibly difficult and often retraumatizing. The government must ensure that those handling these investigations are trauma-informed and understand the real impacts of this legislation.

Read more about Bill-41 here: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-41