Learning about Human Trafficking at Canadian Airports Safety Week

As part of Canadian Airports Safety Week (CASW), on September 29, Natalie Muyres, Program Manager from #NotInMyCity, presented two virtual sessions for employees at YYC Calgary International Airport.  

We knows that trafficking victims are moved via air travel through Canadian airports, often with their traffickers. By understanding the issue and being able to identify the signs of a potentially trafficked traveller, we are disrupting human trafficking with more ears and more eyes on the ground. #NotInMyCity is now working more closely with airports across the country to provide learning opportunities and knowledge to frontline workers to help spot trafficking, and the appropriate steps to take.

In the presentation, the attendees learned a little about our organization, and then answered a series of questions to discover how much (or how little) they knew about human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada.

The sobering truth about human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada.

At the start of the session, several respondents noted that they weren’t sure how to proceed if they thought they witnessed a suspected victim of human trafficking at the airport.

As part of a pre-test, the majority of respondents lacked confidence in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and knowing how to take action.

By providing airport team members with significant knowledge and research about the issue, indicators and importantly, information about when and how to call law enforcement for support, Team YYC  members are making a huge leap forward to create safer airports for everyone.

#NotInMyCity has created an online learning course available to everyone, with a specialized module for those working in the air travel industry, along with indicators that have been created based on global aviation references and best practices.

How effective is the course?

After taking the course, on average 96% of participants are able to identify the indicators of human trafficking. Further, 98% of participants feel they a good understanding of what human trafficking is, 95% feel they know what to do if they suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking.

Last, 35% of participants tell us they believe they have witnessed human trafficking at their place of work or elsewhere.

In addition to the launch of the e-learning course, the Authority is in the process of launching new human trafficking public awareness materials in their airport, providing passengers with helpful information and access to resources.

Thank you to the Authority for the opportunity to share key information and rolling out the e-learning to your teams and the campaign materials in your terminals. Together, we are making a difference.