Nanaimo Airport (YCD) Allies with #NotInMyCity to Deliver Human Trafficking Awareness to Airport Staff and Travellers, to Help Combat Human Trafficking on Vancouver Island

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is pleased to share that it has embarked on a new education program to raise awareness about human trafficking in collaboration with #NotInMyCity.

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. In the transport sector, #NotInMyCity is a leading partner who is helping address human trafficking across several sectors in Canada, including the aviation industry.

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. According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking(1), 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.

“We are honored to partner with #NotInMyCity in their relentless pursuit of ending human trafficking. YCD is committed to playing an active role in creating a safe environment for all those who travel through our airport,” said Dave Devana, President and CEO at Nanaimo Airport Commission.

Nanaimo Airport has launched the #NotInMyCity campaign with the implementation of the #NotInMyCity educational course as part of the employee onboarding process. This training opportunity and the awareness materials will be shared with all of the terminal partners and the airport volunteer team. #NotInMyCity human trafficking materials will be posted in the terminal including risk factors to watch for and contact information. Awareness information and the Nanaimo airport campaign will also be made available on the YCD website.

“Embracing YCD as a partner in transport will play a significant role in fighting against human trafficking within Canada, an issue that affects young girls and women profoundly,” stated Paul Brandt, the creator of #NotInMyCity. “My heartfelt thanks go out to the team at YCD for their dedicated efforts in illuminating the issues of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

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 anyone is in immediate danger, it is recommended to call 9-1-1.

To learn more visit notinmycity.ca or www.ycd.ca/passenger-guide/notinmycity/

1 https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/the-role-of-the-transportation-sector-in-the-fight-against-human-trafficking-in-canada/

For #NotInMyCity:
E-mail: info@notinmycity.ca

For Nanaimo Airport YCD:
E-mail: customercare@ycd.ca

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a 15-minute drive south of downtown Nanaimo on 224 hectares (550 acres). We are a not-for-profit authority owned and operated by the Nanaimo Airport Commission.