February 20th, 2026

In 2007, the Government of Canada designated February 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), it is an opportunity to bring awareness to:

  • The signs of trafficking
  • Support education that empowers students
  • Promote actions that help prevent exploitation

Human trafficking impacts communities across Canada. As a school board, we acknowledge the role we play in supporting the safety and well-being of WRDSB students.

Supporting Students

Each year, WRDSB staff are required to complete professional development about human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Keeping Students Safe Policy (PPM 166), a first of its kind for an education sector in Canada, sets a strong foundation for Ontario school boards to build upon to create local anti-sex trafficking protocols.

Through this mandatory learning, which is directed through the Ontario Ministry of Education, staff learn:

  • The signs of human trafficking
  • How to support a disclosure
  • How to refer students to supports in our schools and community

Know the Signs of Human Trafficking

The Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services offers resources to help learn about the possible signs that someone is at risk for human trafficking. They also offer resources to support parents, families and caregivers with talking to children about human trafficking.

In WRDSB schools, awareness is promoted through posters provided by the Ministry. The “Know the Signs” posters are located in all WRDSB Grade 7-12 schools.

How to Get Help

Canada’s Human Trafficking Hotline

Canada’s Human Trafficking Hotline can help youth, caregivers, service providers, educators, hotels and other industry staff report tips or access information about:

  • Human trafficking
  • Local support services
  • Law enforcement and emergency services across the country

Call the confidential 24/7 Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or chat live.

Cybertip.ca

Do you have concerns about online luring and other areas involving child exploitation on the internet? Report them on cybertip.ca.

Local Resources

To find other services in our community, visit the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline’s National Referral Directory.