Saskatoon, SK – YXE Saskatoon Airport is pleased to share that they have embarked on a new campaign to raise awareness and disrupt Human Trafficking in collaboration with #NotInMyCity and the Saskatoon Police Service.
Founded by country superstar Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. In the transport sector, #NotInMyCity is a leading partner who is helping address human trafficking across several sectors in Canada, including the aviation industry.
The purpose of the learning program is to raise awareness and educate community partners by providing all airport employees and contractors with knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, identify the behavioural signs that might indicate an exploited person, and how to get help without putting the concerned individual in harm’s way.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and is the second largest source of illegal income worldwide. In Canada, 21 per cent of trafficking victims are under the age of 18. While making up only 4 per cent of the country’s population, approximately 50 percent of Canada’s trafficking victims are Indigenous people.
“As the operator of the Saskatoon Airport, we recognize that we have a role and responsibility to help stop human trafficking”, says Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport. “By initiating education and training with our partners, and work together to identify exploitation, our goal is to help disrupt human trafficking activity in our community.”
“Human trafficking poses a significant and complex challenge, and continues to be a growing concern here in Saskatoon and beyond,” says Deputy Chief Cameron McBride. “We’re appreciative of the partnership with the YXE Saskatoon Airport and #NotInMyCity to collaborate and enhance the education necessary to identify and combat trafficking networks to safeguard vulnerable individuals.”
“#NotinMyCity is proud to partner with the Saskatoon Airport to identify and put an end to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking here in Canada,” said Paul Brandt, founder of #NotInMyCity. “We all have a voice and the power to share the message that child sexual exploitation and trafficking is wrong and won’t be tolerated. Our new partnership demonstrates the strength of community.”
According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking , transportation corridors are frequently used by traffickers, and once a victim has been recruited, traffickers will often move them from city to city to maximize profits, access new markets and avoid competition. Moving them often keeps control of the victim who may not know where they are or how to get help, making it easier for traffickers to evade detection by police. Victims of labour trafficking may also enter Canada by way of air travel, under the false promise of a job or educational opportunity.
In Saskatchewan, anyone can call 306-975-8300 if they believe they witness or are experiencing human trafficking or sexual exploitation. If anyone is in immediate danger, it is recommended to call 9-1-1.
Members of the public are invited to learn more about the issue by taking a free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca.
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Media Contacts:
YXE Saskatoon Airport
CJ Dushinski
VP Business Development & Service Quality
[email protected]
Saskatoon Police Service
Kelsie Fraser
Public Relations & Strategic Communications
[email protected]
#NotInMyCity
Laurie Griffin
Communications
Cell: (403) 619-7686
[email protected]
About YXE Saskatoon Airport
YXE Saskatoon Airport is operated by Saskatoon Airport Authority. YXE Saskatoon Airport is a partner in developing Saskatoon and Saskatchewan by delivering the most valued airport experience in Canada.
About Saskatoon Police Service
As part of the community, Saskatoon Police Service’s mission is to provide a service based on excellence to ensure a safe and secure environment.
About #NotInMyCity
#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization launched by Paul and Liz Brandt that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and human trafficking, focusing on children and youth. The #NotInMyCity movement is growing. We are working in alliance with key stakeholders, creating awareness, educating others and mobilizing a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at all levels.
#NotInMyCity offers an interactive e-learning course for anyone interested in learning more about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. It was developed in collaboration with national and international thought leaders. Upon completion of the free 30-minute e-course, participants are awarded with a certificate. Thousands of individuals have completed the course so far.