Yesterday, on May 19, #NotInMyCity Founder Paul Brandt was named by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as chair of a new Human Trafficking Task Force. The announcement was made through a virtual press conference in Edmonton and Calgary, and streamed online province-wide.
The work of the task force begins today, with a series of meetings taking place over the next two days.
The Human Trafficking Task Force panel members include:
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Paul Brandt, chair – country music superstar, founder of #NotInMyCity and anti-human trafficking advocate
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Heather Forsyth – former solicitor general and former minister of Children’s Services
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Dale McFee – chief of police, Edmonton Police Services
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Jan Fox – executive director, REACH Edmonton
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Douglas Reti – director, Backwoods Energy, and former RCMP director general
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Patricia Vargas – director, Catholic Social Services
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Tyler White – CEO, Siksika Health Services
In a News Release, Paul shared that “Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and it must be stopped. Serving as chair for the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force is an immense privilege and responsibility, as we work together to protect those who are most vulnerable. Freedom should be for everybody.”
You can watch this video which includes short excerpts from task force members. Read news coverage about the announcement in the Calgary Herald here.
Premier Kenney commended Paul on his many efforts to disrupt human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including his dedication as Founder of #NotInMyCity.
Paul would also like to acknowledge and thank the many Allies, champions and partners who have supported our work and #NotInMyCity from day one. These collective accomplishments have helped us all reach great milestones like this one today. Paul’s important work with #NotInMyCity will continue, in addition to his efforts with the task force. We wholeheartedly congratulate Paul on this achievement and taking this leap forward.