The authors' review of varying definitions of "trafficking in human beings" favors the definitions offered by Wijers and Lap-Chew (1997) and that of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (2000). These definitions emphasize the use of coercion and force to compel individuals to be transported within and across national borders for exploitative purposes of various types, including prostitution and slave labor. After the review of definitions, this paper focuses on the theoretical perspectives underlying the analysis of the problem to date. Just as there is a lack of consensus on a definition of trafficking in human beings, there is no consistent theoretical framework that informs analysis and empirical research on the issue. At this stage of developing parameters for an analysis of the issue, the authors believe it is appropriate to consider the issue of trafficking within the dynamics of worker migration. This involves examining both the pressures exerted by socioeconomic conditions and policies in third-world countries and those associated with the lure of wealthy countries and their demand for foreign labor. Such an analysis encompasses how countries of trafficking origin can encourage emigration and associated trafficking as well as how host countries in turn have a major role in the trafficking phenomenon. After discussing the theoretical framework for analyzing the problem, the paper discusses organized crime as an element of the problem. Attention is given to the definition and scope of the problem and the situation in Canada. The authors note that on the whole the association between trafficking in human beings and organized crime is neither self-evident nor always substantial. Since trafficking involves a number of stages, notably recruitment, transport, or work in the host country, organized crime may be in complete or partial control of one stage of trafficking without exerting control over all phases of the enterprise. The association between organized crime and trafficking thus is a complex and dynamic issue that changes in relation to political, social, and economic circumstances, as well as the locations involved and the period in question. An examination of the situation in Canada notes that there is little data on the involvement of organized crime in the trafficking of human beings in Canada. On the whole, media coverage of the issue is limited, with a number of articles referring to the experiences of Asian women working in the sex trade in Canada; however, a public perception of links to organized crime is growing. Following an overview of international and Canadian legislation against human trafficking, possible solutions are reviewed at the international and the national level. These initiatives include the enactment and amendment of legislation, the establishment of working groups or investigative units to counter human trafficking, police training programs, the intensification of legal proceedings and sanctions, cooperation agreements among concerned countries, and the collection of statistical data and information on the methods of traffickers. The paper concludes with recommendations for research that encompass the identification of types of trafficking, the interfaces between national legislation and various analyses of the problem, and victims' needs at various stages of their experiences of trafficking. 91 references