Brampton to announce new steps to fight ‘exploitation and trafficking’ of international students

The City of Brampton says new measures will be announced on Wednesday aimed at fighting the “exploitation and trafficking” of international students.

Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Coun. Rowena Santos, as well as representatives from Peel Regional Police and other organizations are set to attend the press conference, which is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. at Brampton City Hall.

They will “provide key updates on actions Brampton and the broader community are advocating for to tackle these critical issues,” a news release said.

Santos, who is also the chair of community services, has said recently that international students in the city are being exploited 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,” a post on Santos’ website reads.

Some landlords are advertising overcrowded, unsafe basement apartments, the post says.

“More alarmingly, some ads have crossed ethical boundaries by offering rental agreements that involve ‘friends with benefits,’ turning what should be a basic need for housing into a grotesque exploitation of students, particularly young women,” it continues.

Santos’ website says Brampton has been working to address the issues. It notes that the City has introduced a residential rental licensing program aimed at increasing accountability, which is part of a broader plan to ensure safety standards are met and “substandard rental practices” eliminated.