The City of Brampton is set to introduce new measures aimed at combating the exploitation and trafficking of international students. The announcement will be made at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. at Brampton City Hall.
Mayor Patrick Brown and Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, along with representatives from Peel Regional Police and other key organizations, will provide updates on initiatives the City and the community are advocating to address these critical issues.
According to a recent statement from Councillor Santos, who also chairs community services, many international students in Brampton are facing exploitation by unethical landlords. “Many students arrive in Brampton with limited funds and face a severe housing shortage. Some landlords are taking advantage of this situation,” reads a post on Santos’ website.
The post highlights that some landlords are offering overcrowded and unsafe basement apartments, exploiting the housing crisis faced by students. More concerning, Santos noted, are cases where rental ads have crossed ethical lines by suggesting arrangements that include “friends with benefits,” which particularly exploit young women seeking accommodation.
The City of Brampton has already taken steps to address these issues. It recently introduced a residential rental licensing program designed to increase accountability and uphold safety standards. The program is part of a broader effort to eliminate substandard rental practices and hold landlords to higher standards.
The upcoming press conference is expected to outline additional measures and collaborative efforts with police and community groups to protect international students and hold those responsible for exploitation accountable.