With tens of thousands of ride-hail trips happening daily in Winnipeg, a local anti-trafficking advocate says drivers could be the city’s hidden line of defence, if they’re required to act.
Joy Smith, founder of the Joy Smith Foundation and a nationally recognized advocate in the fight against human trafficking, appeared on Wednesday before the City of Winnipeg’s Standing Policy Committee on Public Works to support proposed amendments to the Vehicle‑for‑Hire By‑law.
The changes would impose a formal duty on taxi and ride‑hail drivers to report suspected cases of human trafficking or sexual exploitation, and introduce fines when drivers fail to act.
Smith told committee members it was critical that the city move forward with the changes. “I thought it was very important to sit before city council yesterday to encourage them to put a fine on taxi drivers who do not report human trafficking,” she said. She added that drivers are often on the “front lines,” witnessing activities that may signal exploitation.
According to Smith, there were roughly 10.3 million vehicle‑for‑hire trips in Winnipeg last year, equivalent to about 35,000 trips every day, underlining how frequently drivers may encounter suspicious circumstances.
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Smith said her foundation has provided training to taxi drivers, making them aware that a 2022 federal law, the Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking Act, already obliges drivers to report suspected exploitation. But in practice, she argued, few have done so.
“One of the reasons they’re not reporting is because they’re afraid someone will find out who reported them,” she said in an interview. Smith emphasized that police treat calls confidentially, and the identity of those reporting is not revealed.
She said establishing clear consequences under city bylaw, such as a $500 fine, would encourage reporting and could save lives.
Education is a key piece
Smith also noted the importance of educating drivers so they feel confident recognizing red flags — for example, repeated late‑night drop‑offs of women who appear controlled or under duress — and assured them they do not need to intervene beyond making the report.
She recalled a local case in which a neighbour’s tip about frequent late‑night cab drop‑offs helped end suspected exploitation. “Just reporting it is fine,” she said.
During the committee meeting, Smith said she received supportive feedback. Members thanked the foundation for its human‑trafficking work and raised concerns about forced‑labour trafficking as well.
She called on Winnipeggers to be vigilant: “If you see suspicious behaviour … phone the police and give the details.” She also invited people who feel uncomfortable calling the police to contact her foundation, which can forward tips on their behalf.
Smith said many victims come from ordinary backgrounds: “It’s not random children, it’s middle‑ to upper‑middle-class kids and kids that come from churches,” she said, adding predators know where to target the most vulnerable.
“This should be a game‑changer for Winnipeg,” she said. “You could save a life.”
