The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) allies with #NotInMyCity to combat human trafficking

Waterloo Region – Today, the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) launched a new program to educate and raise awareness of human trafficking in Canadian airports in partnership with #NotInMyCity and the Waterloo Regional Police Services Human Trafficking Unit.

“Empowering airport employees through training to recognize and report the signs of human trafficking turns every checkpoint and gate into a frontline defense,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “A vigilant workforce can save lives before victims disappear into the shadows. We are committed to helping disrupt human trafficking activity.”

The #NotInMyCity movement, founded by country music artist Paul Brandt, is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to prevent and end human trafficking. #NotInMyCity is leading change to address human trafficking in several transportation sectors across Canada, including the aviation industry.

“Airports play a crucial role in addressing and suppressing human trafficking, awareness and education are a priority,” said Paul Brandt, founder of #NotInMyCity. "We are committed to working with airport employees, law enforcement and everyday people to increase awareness and take action against trafficking, citing that thousands of Canadians are now recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond.” 

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is taking steps to combat human trafficking by:

• Building knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada with #NotInMyCity's aviation-focused e-learning platform.
• Posting awareness signage and providing informational materials in the airport.
• Sharing tools to enable individuals to report signs of human trafficking, without causing harm.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada resulting in an estimated $150 billion in annual illegal profits globally. In Canada, 93 per cent of trafficking victims are Canadian citizens, and 21 per cent are under the age of 18. Being a girl is the greatest risk factor of being trafficked. According to the 2021 Census, Indigenous people represent 5 per cent of the Canadian population, however, are highly overrepresented in the percentage of human trafficking victims.

"The #NotInMyCity initiative seeks to build community awareness and action to put an end to human trafficking," said Mark Crowell, Chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. "By mobilizing all community partners, we can better assist victims and survivors while sending a clear message that human trafficking has no place in Waterloo Region."

In Canada, anyone can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if they believe they have witnessed 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 can learn more about the program by taking the free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca. To learn more visit, notinmycity.ca.

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airports, providing a full-service facility that supports commercial, corporate and general aviation. YKFs summer schedule includes air service to Abbotsford, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver provided by Flair and WestJet. Plus, Air Canada’s Landline service to Toronto which connects to 140+ destinations worldwide. YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). For more information visit waterlooairport.ca.