The wheels of change may turn slowly, but thanks to the dedication and courage of frontline law enforcement leaders across Canada, they are accelerating.
From April 28 to May 1, 2025, a group of law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, survivor leaders and advocates gathered in Saskatoon for the third annual Maddison Sessions (TMS) Operational Summit, Canada’s only national law enforcement operational summit dedicated to combating human trafficking. TMS is spearheaded by Canada’s leading human trafficking investigators, and is powered by #NotInMyCity (#NIMC). TMS and #NIMC are grateful for the support from the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan and other generous partners.
This year’s theme, Moving From Key Learnings to Solutions, reflected both the growth of the Maddison Sessions and the urgent need for tangible action. Over four days, delegates tackled real-world challenges, shared investigative strategies, and strengthened the cross-jurisdictional ‘No Borders’ approach that is becoming the national standard for trafficking investigations.
The ‘no borders’ approach and simply being together in the same room in the spirit of collaboration at the Maddison Sessions has led to arrests being made and trafficking victims receiving the support they need while leaving the inhumanity of being trafficked.
Choose What Is Right, Not What Is Easy
The Operational Summit kicked off with hands-on demonstrations of investigational techniques, led by seasoned law enforcement members from Montreal. Delegates worked through every stage and gained valuable experience and knowledge, while also having the opportunity to discuss best practices. These sessions reinforced practical skills and provided a safe space for police agencies to exchange tips and lessons learned.
Lawyers from Ontario’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Team presented complex legal case studies, illustrating how survivor-centred approaches can hold traffickers accountable while safeguarding victims.
Lived experience experts, including Andrea Heinz and Cassandra Diamond, grounded discussions in survivor realities. Their insights supported Canada’s survivor-centered legislation and painted a picture of the reality of human trafficking, its connection to demand, and highlighted the need for exit strategies and wraparound community supports as the best way for victims to exit trafficking permanently.
Technology’s role in bringing justice to victims and families directly impacted by gender based violence took centre stage in Saskatoon’s Project Magpie presentation, while airport and travel security leaders shared promising practices for identifying trafficking victims and perpetrators in transit.
A Pinnacle Working Group for Human Trafficking
Beyond technical skills, the Maddison Sessions created space for future-focused conversations. Through a facilitated workshop, delegates began shaping a National Operations Plan, a blueprint for aligning investigative efforts, building stronger partnerships, and removing systemic barriers that traffickers exploit.
Centring Survivors. Honouring Maddison.
At the heart of it all is Maddison’s story – she is the namesake of the summit and a beacon of hope for those dedicated to fighting these crimes. Maddison was a young woman who lost her life to trafficking, and her experiences and legacy have shaped the Operational Summit’s guiding North Star: Maddison’s Principle: A commitment to accountability, follow-through, and survivor-centred practice.
Her mother, Jennifer Holleman, once again attended this year, continuing her courageous advocacy to ensure that Maddison’s voice—and the voices of countless other victims—remain at the heart of the fight against trafficking. Sharing Maddison’s story requires immense bravery, but for Jennifer, that bravery comes from a deep commitment to shaping her daughter’s legacy into one of hope. As Jennifer puts it, “I don’t want Maddison’s story to be one of pain, of torture. I want her story to be one of positivity and hope.”
If Not Us, Then Who?
The Maddison Sessions 2025 strengthened a growing national network of committed members of law enforcement. Their work will continue beyond Saskatoon, as new strategies and solutions are brought back to communities across Canada, allowing law enforcement to strengthen their practice, network and working relationships.
Participants share a desire to work collaboratively to seek and share best practices for the sake of ensuring there are “eyes everywhere” when it comes to investigating and prosecuting human trafficking in Canada.
If you would like to learn more about the Maddison Sessions Operational Summit, #NotInMyCity or become an ally in the fight against human trafficking, please visit www.notinmycity.ca.
You can also visit notinmycity.ca/learn/ to take the free interactive e-learning course or to find the human trafficking indicator resources available for download.
