Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking
Benjamin Perrin, Past Liu Faculty Affiliate, UBC
October 5, 2010
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Source: Viking Canada
Just outside Toronto, a 14-year-old Canadian girl was auctioned on the internet for men to purchase by the hour. A young woman was taken by slave traders from an African war zone to Edmonton to earn greater profits by exploiting her in prostitution. A gang called Wolfpack recruited teenagers in Quebec and sold them for sex to high-profile men in the community.
The global problem of human trafficking is only beginning to be recognized in Canada, even though it has been hidden in plain sight. In Invisible Chains, Benjamin Perrin, an award-winning law professor and policy expert, exposes cases of human trafficking, recording in-depth interviews with people on the front lines—police officers, social workers, and the victims themselves—and bringing to light government records released under access-to-information laws.
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The Globe and Mail – Books: The 2010 Globe 100
Compiled by Martin Levin and Jack Kirchhoff
November 27, 2010
NON-FICTION: POLITICS & SOCIAL STUDIES
INVISIBLE CHAINS: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking
By Benjamin Perrin (Viking Canada)
In a searing look at the little-known world of human trafficking in Canada, Benjamin Perrin documents the heartbreaking stories of young women and children sold for sex in conditions that amount to modern-day slavery. He exposes the lamentable response by the justice system and makes a passionate plea for action few readers can ignore.
Reviewed by Julian Sher
Book Review: Invisible Chains
Ethics Centre, November 16, 2010
The Salvation Army’s Ethics Centre published a review of Invisible Chains, calling it “well researched…a must-read…hopeful”. It also says: “This book is an excellent resource for individuals and groups within Canada who are trying to fight against the sale and exploitation of human beings.”
The slave trade makes a comeback in Canada
Calgary Herald, November 14, 2010
Columnist Mark Milke reviewed Invisible Chains, calling it “sobering…a necessary read. Professor Perrin’s book will do much good.”
Sex trafficking: a national disgrace
Globe and Mail, October 15, 2010
Investigative journalist and author Julian Sher reviewed Invisible Chains for the Globe and Mail, calling it “powerful…clear and thoughtful.” Sher writes: “Perrin’s commitment and convictions are inspiring. The invisible chains he seeks to break are invisible only because we choose not to see them. He wants us to open our eyes to the modern-day slavery all around us – and his book is just the call to action that Canada needs.”
B.C. prof shines light on modern-day slavery
Winnipeg Free Press, October 9, 2010
Brenlee Carrington, the Law Society of Manitoba’s equity ombudswoman, reviewed Invisible Chains, calling it “brilliant…extremely well-written and well-organized.” She adds “Invisible Chains is such an excellent and important work that deserves to attract a wide readership.”
