February 20, 2026 (Toronto, ON) — To mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, monuments and landmarks across Canada will be lit in blue on February 22, 2026, to raise awareness of human trafficking and to show solidarity with those most impacted by this crime.
Participating monuments include the CN Tower, the Fredericton Convention Centre, the Byward Market Ottawa sign, Rogers Centre Ottawa, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, and the Nanaimo Bastion.
Human trafficking is a serious human rights violation that occurs in communities across Canada. By lighting monuments blue, participating agencies and advocates aim to spark conversation, increase public awareness, and connect communities to critical resources that can help prevent trafficking and support those impacted.
“Human trafficking thrives in the shadows,” explained Julia Drydyk, executive director of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. “By shining a light on this issue, we remind survivors that they are not alone, there is help available and that our community has an important role to play in stopping trafficking.”
As part of this awareness effort, agencies are encouraging the public to share information about available resources, including the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline which provides 24/7 confidential support, crisis assistance, and referrals to local services.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or connect via chat at canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca. Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in multiple languages.
The Centre encourages community members to take photos of the blue-lit monuments, share them on social media, and help spread awareness using hashtags such as #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay #EndHumanTrafficking
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The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is a national charity that works to advance systemic change to prevent human trafficking and support victims and survivors. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service available 24/7/365 that connects victims, survivors, and concerned community members with local supports.
Media contact: Ben René, 613-406-5962, brene@ccteht.ca
Participating Monuments:
CN Tower, Fredericton Convention Centre, Ottawa Sign (Byward Market), Rogers Centre Ottawa, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, The Bastion (Nanaimo).
Supporting Agencies:
Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, JPdL, Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking, Ottawa Tourism, TOES Niagara, Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network
