Barrier-Free Legal Support for Survivors of Human Trafficking

ACT Alberta is seeking funding to provide accessible, trauma-informed legal assistance to survivors of human trafficking. These individuals often lack the resources, information, or support to navigate complex legal systems on their own.

In Alberta, the number of people affected by human trafficking continues to grow. Survivors face a range of legal challenges, particularly in the workplace- unpaid wages, coercive or fraudulent employment contracts, illegal recruitment fees, and wrongful dismissal. Many also struggle to access identification documents, safe housing, or to clear criminal records tied directly to their exploitation. Often, fear of retaliation or past trauma involving law enforcement or legal institutions prevents survivors from seeking justice. These systemic barriers can leave survivors trapped in cycles of abuse, poverty, or fear, without a path to recovery.

‘Barrier-Free Legal Support for Survivors of Human Trafficking’ will address this critical service gap by providing free, individualized legal assistance tailored to survivors’ unique needs. Public legal aid is often inaccessible due to long waitlists, financial eligibility thresholds, or case complexity. This initiative removes those barriers and ensures survivors are not left to navigate these challenges alone.

Many of the survivors we support have been exploited in employment contexts, including being charged illegal fees for LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) applications, costs that should never have been theirs to bear. Without legal support, most cannot pursue civil remedies, recover stolen wages, or hold exploiters accountable under labour or civil law.

While some may also require immigration advice, the more urgent and widespread need is for legal support in employment and civil justice. Survivors deserve the opportunity to assert their rights and seek compensation and protection through legal channels.

Through partnerships with trauma-informed lawyers and legal advocates, ACT Alberta will provide legal assistance in areas such as:

• Civil claims against exploitative employers and recruiters
• Wage recovery and employment standards violations
• Protective orders and compensation claims

These services will empower survivors to move forward with safety, dignity, and confidence, reclaiming their rights and rebuilding their lives on their own terms.

If successful, this funding will directly benefit survivors of human trafficking across Alberta, many of whom are racialized, low-income, migrant workers, or individuals experiencing housing or employment instability. ACT Alberta works with individuals aged 18 and older who have been trafficked to, from, or within Alberta. These clients often include newcomers to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and others facing systemic barriers. Additionally, a significant number of our clients experience language barriers, which make navigating the complex legal system even more daunting and can prevent them from fully understanding their rights or accessing critical services.

The funding will also indirectly benefit the broader community by holding exploiters accountable and contributing to safer, more equitable labour and legal systems across the province.