Canadian country music star Paul Brandt spoke and performed at the Kelowna International Airport to raise awareness about his organization #NotInMyCity, which works to stop human trafficking.
“It’s hard to believe that trafficking victims are being moved across Canada and often through airports, but it’s true,” said Brandt.
#NotInMyCity describes sex trafficking as a business where the exploiter repeatedly sells people as a commodity.
Human trafficking happens everywhere, including the Okanagan, said Brandt. Criminals frequently use airports as thoroughfares to transport their victims domestically and across borders.
The organization #NotInMyCity partnered with the Kelowna RCMP, the Child Advocacy Centre and the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in 2021, to address the growing criminal industry of human trafficking.
“It is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada… and is the second largest source of illegal income in the world today,” said Brandt.
YLW is the ninth airport across Canada to partner with #NotInMyCity.
To date, more than 600 of Kelowna’s aviation employees have been trained in how to identify and respond to signs of human trafficking.
“It is important for us to provide training to employees working at YLW so we can do our part in recognizing when human trafficking victims pass through our airport and take appropriate action,” said Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport Director.
Additionally, Kelowna is a part of the airport awareness and signage program to help educate the public. The terminals at YLW will be adorned with the yellow #NotInMyCity rose and informative signs to help spread the grim reality that human trafficking is happening in this city.
The slogan #NotInMyCity plays off people’s initial reaction of disbelief that trafficking could happen in their own backyard.
“One of the most difficult parts of combating human trafficking is that people don’t understand that it’s actually happening,” said Brandt.
“Kelowna is on what we call a circuit for human trafficking,” said Inspector Beth McAndie, Investigation Services Officer with the Kelowna RCMP.
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“We see increased activity during the summer months and one of the circuits that I am aware of is Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna, the Lower Mainland and then the Island. This really highlights the need for increased communication between all police agencies.”
Joining the partnership with #NotInMyCity will enable the Kelowna RCMP to work with the police in other cities to combat trafficking.
McAndie said that the RCMP also works to educate hotel staff in Kelowna on how to identify at-risk individuals.
Brandt explained that signs of trafficking include anything that may make a person vulnerable, including being young and experiencing substance use disorders.
“One thing I try to explain to people is that trafficking is an outcome of vulnerability.”
“When you see an individual whose communication is being controlled… Maybe they are not carrying their own documents, anything that would make an individual vulnerable are the kinds of things that we would be looking for.”
The country star started #NotInMyCity after travelling to South East Asia and having his eyes opened to the prevalence of human trafficking around the world.
“Once you realize it is happening, it is hard not to want to do something to help.”
To learn more about the reality of human and sex trafficking in Canada visit notinmycity.ca.
The Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna has partnered with #NotInMyCity to bring a custom free e-learning course to Okanagan residents.
In Canada, anyone can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if they believe they witness or are experiencing human trafficking or sexual exploitation.
If you believe that someone is in danger, call 9-1-1.
People can also contact the Kelowna police services non-emergency phone number at 250-762-3300.
READ MORE: Ukrainian newcomers at risk of human trafficking in the Okanagan, warns RCMP
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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