“Oftentimes people think of human trafficking in more of the international scope, when in fact, it is potentially a local or territorial problem,” said Randy Straker, who is the manager at Yellowknife’s airport
Straker explained that after a recent security meeting airport staff had with the RCMP it just made sense to get involved in Not In My City.
“I think it’s one of the quickest growing crimes in Canada and they consider it kind of a silent crime, low risk, high reward for those involved in that criminal activity.”
The Yellowknife Airport announced last week that they are partnering with Not In My City, a movement focussed on putting an end to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Minister Vince McKay, who is the minister of Infrastructure said the movement was an important step for YZF and for the city of Yellowknife to create a “safer and more compassionate space” for anyone who lives or visits the region.
According to data collected by Not in My City, 40 million people globally are being trafficked and exploited. In Canada 72 per cent of people being trafficked are under 25 years of age and over 50 per cent are Indigenous people.
“Being kind of the Hub of the North, we have a lot of traffic through here, most folks travelling south of the Arctic or at least the western Arctic are going to travel through Yellowknife,” added Straker.
Trafficking is a “complex crime” that has impacts in the North as well as across the country and beyond.
“While it may not always be as visible to the public in the Northwest Territories as it is in other places, it is a concern for us and associated investigations remain ongoing” Cst. Josh Seaward of the N.W.T. RCMP told True North FM.
Minister Vince McKay also emphasized the way the dangers can be unseen.
“Human trafficking is a crime that hides in plain sight, and it takes all of us – governments, communities, and individuals –to stand up and say enough is enough. Through this partnership with Not In My City, the Yellowknife Airport is sending a clear message: exploitation will not be tolerated here, “ said Minister McKay in the July 31 announcement.
Paul Brandt, the founder of the organization Not In My City underscored the importance of enlisting the co-operation of transportation hubs.
“Airports are becoming strong allies in the fight against human trafficking. With more and more airports joining this movement, we’re seeing a growing commitment across the country to protect those at risk and raise public awareness. Yellowknife Airport’s partnership builds on this momentum, demonstrating the critical role transportation hubs can play in disrupting trafficking and standing up for those whose safety is at risk,” said Brandt.
Staff at YZF have received specialized training to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking. More training to additional staff is ongoing.
Straker said that airport staff are adopting the “three pillars” of the Not In My City program, which centre around “awareness,” “hope” and “action.”
“We’re joining a growing network of airports across the country that are helping raise awareness, increase vigilance and support survivors.
Straker told True North FM that one of the most important tools people can learn to help prevent human trafficking and help survivors is recognizing the signs and taking action to intervene.
“Probably the most important is kind of common indicators of human trafficking and how you can help and take action when you suspect Potentially.
“The individual, are they fearful anxious, nervous behaviour? The person might appear malnourished, sleep deprived or in need of medical care. They might be travelling with an individual who seems to control everything, so controls the money, controls the ID – an older individual male or female who claims to be a guardian or parent but (you notice) things like (they have) a different name, IDs don’t align with who they say they are,” said Straker.
Other signs include paying last minute with a lot of cash or prepaid credit cards, having multiple phones, explained Straker.
Straker emphasized that it is extremely important that airport staff who have been trained through the program, act with care in dealing with a suspected case of human trafficking in order to avoid causing harm to the possible victim and to protect themselves as well.
Straker said the program went into effect immediately after staff completed training about a week ago. The Yellowknife Airport has joined about 40 more airports across the country who are taking part.
“So we’re not the first but we’re happy to be a part of that and help get the message out and hopefully act as a deterrent to this type of activity.”
Passengers will notice awareness campaigns throughout the airport encouraging everyone to be informed and empowered, said Straker
The program also offers specialized training for hotels, shelters and commercial trucking operators.
Seaward explained that airports can be one of several transit points used in trafficking networks.
“We work with our local and national partners to monitor and respond to suspicious activity. Public awareness and reporting, as with most crimes, remain key tools for police in identifying and disrupting these activities,” he urged.
Seaward said the RCMP could not report the number of human trafficking cases in the NWT due to concerns that the release of data could impact active investigations.
“We encourage anyone who has information on suspected human trafficking to contact their local Detachment or Crime Stoppers,” added Seaward.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the initiative or taking part in training can head to the Not In My City website.
Not In My City also offers e-learning course called “Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada.” Anyone who would like more information about the course can head to their website
