The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking

by Paul H Boge

This is the true story of the world of human trafficking in Canada. For years many people refused to believe that human trafficking was happening here in innocent, safe Canada to our very own Canadian girls. But they were wrong! It is estimated that between 12 and 27 million people are currently caught in human trafficking globally, and Canadian stats show that thousands are exploited for their labour or sexual services right across our own country.

To begin combating the monstrosities represented by these numbers, it is essential that we recognize that trafficking is an industry and the sex trade is a business, and we must be aware of how it operates and how to defeat it.

This story chronicles the perspective of trafficking’s victims, the methods used for recruiting girls, the men who use them, the men who knowingly and sometimes unknowingly fuel the industry and the brave politicians and organizations who are in a constant fight to stop the industry and keep our nation strong and free from it.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Contemporary

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2018

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking by Paul H. Boge. In 2019 it won Grace Irwin Award for Best Canadian Book of the Year! It's a real eye-opener and a heartbreaking revelation of a serious situation in Canada - the horrific crime of human trafficking. We must all become more vigilant.
Powerful and devastating, this book is a must read for everyone who cares about the safety and well-being of our nation's
children.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The True Story of Canadian Human Trafficking by Paul H. Boge is one of those books that stops you in your tracks. It follows the real experience of a Canadian teenager who gets lured into trafficking, and it shows how quickly manipulation, fear, and false promises can destroy a young girl’s world. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s told in a way that feels honest rather than sensational.

What really strengthens the book is the focus on Joy Smith, the former MP who refused to stay silent. Her fight to change Canadian laws, raise awareness, and protect victims brings a powerful sense of purpose to the story. In the middle of so much darkness, she represents courage and stubborn hope.

The writing is straightforward, the message is urgent, and the reality it exposes is uncomfortable but necessary. You walk away more aware, more compassionate, and far more protective of the vulnerable — which is exactly why this book matters.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly, a hard read. Yet, just because it was hard, doesn't mean it shouldn't be read. This book is written in an excellent way that informs you about human trafficking from a variety of perspectives. It tells the story of Joy Smith, as her and her team work to get Bill C-268 into law, it tells the story of a girl who was trafficked and also provides the perspective of a john. I learned a lot, I grieved a lot. I am grateful for the Joy Smith Foundation and the work they are doing to help girls heal from the trauma of their experiences.

[Melanie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you truly want to have a better understanding of the human trafficking which occurs right here in our communities, read this book. It recounts the experiences of a trafficked girl, a john & the fight in Parliament to make Canada a hostile place for traffickers. If you care about justice, do yourself a favour & read it.

[Anne Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a tough topic, this book was an easy read in that there are three story lines to follow - one of Joy Smith whose tenacity ensured that a bill was introduced to protect victims; Abby a young sixteen year old who is groomed and Dave - one of the johns who used Abby's services. The book is respectful and shocking in parts as we learn what happens to Abby.

[Mishon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a horrible reality in this country. People are disgusting.
It felt very real to me as I’ve been on a lot of the highways and in the cities she was taken to while she was being trafficked so I could picture it so clearly.
It was also terrible that Joy Smith and her crew had to fight so hard to pass their bill! Just ridiculous.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and enlightening book. There is a quote by William Wilberforce that said “You may choose to look the other way but you can never again say you didn’t know”. The Joy Smith Foundation does a lot in helping people and even creating laws to advocate for victims.

[Dan Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book could probably be classified as creative non-fiction, it portrays a chilling account of grooming for sexual exploitation as well as the important work of parliamentarian Joy Smith in creating legislation to fight trafficking.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Canadian should read this. Knowledge is power. Human Trafficking is modern-day slavery: the enemy of human rights and freedoms. We can not expect to win the battle or even defend ourselves against this enemy without arming ourselves with intelligence on said enemy.

[Karen Deblieck]

Will post review shortly.

[Jordan Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 20 stars

[Juli Irving-Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really difficult to read this content, but very well written.

[Carrie Mcintyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book very eye opening.

[K.L. Ditmars · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you only read one book about human trafficking, this is the one you should read. The book is well researched and is split into three storylines, that at times overlap. The first tells the story of a human trafficking teenage victim. The second tells us the true story of Joy Smith, MP who was instrumental in changing the laws regarding minimum sentencing for traffickers. Lastly, a family man who is one of the multitudes of men who daily purchase young women through online websites.

If you don't believe human sex trafficking happens to young Canadian girls, or if you believe these girls are there by choice, please read this book.

[Danielle Kurek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative, necessary read to become educated on the realities of human trafficking in Canada.