Sudbury billboard campaign fights human trafficking amid rising cases

An anti-human trafficking billboard in Sudbury is set to remain visible through winter. The advocacy group Angels of Hope says reports are rising in the city.

Despite being surrounded by snow, the message on a billboard heading out of Greater Sudbury is still bold and legible to everyone who passes it.

Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking erected the sign on Regent Street in September as part of its campaign to educate and raise awareness.

At the time the billboard went up, the agency said the location was strategic, given traffickers’ use of Sudbury as a hub.

The billboard has also meant more survivors are coming forward locally, who need help.

“Between 2023 and 2024, we saw an increase in clients as well as individuals that were going through the police system and the justice system to file cases of human trafficking,” said education coordinator Jelise Keating.

“It is our belief that as the numbers are increasing in our clientele, more individuals are coming forward, but we are also seeing an increase in human trafficking throughout most metropolitan cities.”

According to 2025 stats, the Greater Sudbury Police Service was involved in 56 human trafficking related occurrences, with 20 individuals being identified as either being directly linked to sex work or suspected of being groomed or lured into exploitation for sexual purposes. There were six arrests and 50 human trafficking related charges laid.

“In the past year we’ve actually had an increase of about 75 clients, which is a large number but we’re ensuring that each individual gets the help that they need,” Keating said.

It’s because of that increase the agency created specific programs tailored to educate the population specifically targeted by traffickers.

“We do know that human trafficking does impact Indigenous community members at a higher rate than non-Indigenous. So, ensuring that we’re putting the supports in and ensuring that we are supporting the community programs that are currently within the First Nations communities,” said Keating.

Keating said more conferences and training are planned for the new year, including for youth.

Meanwhile, the billboard on Regent Street will be up until March with the Angels of Hope planning to erect more in other locations.

“There are different highways leading out of our city,” said the organization.

Resources for sexual assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.