Dear Ally,
Momentum is building across Canada as #NotInMyCity continues to drive awareness, advocacy, and action to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. From a growing national petition calling for stronger legal protection for our kids to survivor-led programs fostering healing and connection, this work is making a tangible impact in communities. Across sectors—including aviation, healthcare, law enforcement, education, and business—partners are stepping up with education, training, collaboration, and action. Together, these collective efforts are strengthening prevention, supporting survivors, and creating safer communities nationwide.
Continue reading for an in-depth update on #NotInMyCity’s efforts in the first quarter of 2026.
| In This Issue: – Petition To Reverse the Supreme Court Ruling on CSAEM Gains 5,400 Signatures – #NIMC Funds Peer Power Group To Support Survivors – Aviation Awareness & Education Continues to Soar – Exploring the Role of Emergency Medicine in Addressing Human Trafficking – Collaborating With Law Enforcement Across Canada – Expanding Partnerships Across Canada to Amplify Impact – Hosting Impactful Conversations – Supporting Survivors in the Community |
PETITION TO REVERSE THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON CSAEM GAINS 5,400 SIGNATURES
#NotInMyCity, alongside allies and partners across Canada, continue to gain momentum to reverse the Supreme Court ruling on child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The controversial 5-4 decision issued by the Supreme Court in October, 2025 in Attorney General of Quebec v. Senneville struck down mandatory minimum one-year jail sentences for possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material (CSAEM). We are urging people to sign a petition to ask our government leaders to use Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, known as the Notwithstanding Clause, to overturn Senneville and reinstate mandatory minimum sentences. Add your name to the petition and help us share the message loud and clear that child sexual abuse and exploitation are not tolerated in Canada.
Read our recent blog post to understand the urgency of the issue:
A Community Shaken — And the Urgent Need for Real Reform
#NIMC FUNDS PEER POWER GROUP TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS
A new peer support group, “Peer Power With Patti”, is helping build community connection, esteem building, active recovery, and life skills for those who have survived the experience of human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Led by Patti Howell, a Peer Support Worker, workshop facilitator, and public speaker with CEASE, this group has already had a tremendous impact on the lives and well-being of survivors by creating safety, belonging and acceptance among peers. We are proud to fund this important initiative and to witness the positive feedback and stories resulting from the program, including the kind words from a participant shared above.
AVIATION AWARENESS & EDUCATION CONTINUES TO SOAR
Sharing an Impactful Story from McCurdy Sydney Airport
Late last year, what began as an ordinary day at McCurdy Sydney Airport took an unexpected and sobering turn. Frontline staff noticed subtle signs that raised concern about a potential human trafficking situation. Because they were trained to stay alert and trust their instincts, they acted quickly and appropriately. Their intervention led to the individual being safely removed from the situation and connected with the support and care she needed.
For a small, regional airport, this moment was a powerful reminder that human trafficking does not only occur in large, international hubs—it can happen anywhere. Airports of every size play a critical role as points of connection, observation, and, sometimes, intervention. Awareness, training, and the confidence to act can mean the difference between someone remaining unseen and someone being given the chance to reclaim their safety and future.
46 Airports (and Counting!) Have Partnered with #NIMC
Our community of airport allies continues to grow, with 46 airports across Canada now partnered with #NotInMyCity. By joining our network, airports like McCurdy Sydney Airport are affirming their commitment to vigilance, education, and compassion to help prevent human trafficking. Even small or regional airports can have a profound impact, and together, through shared awareness and collective action, we can help ensure that no one slips through the cracks.
Aviation Students Receive #NIMC Education as Part of Their Training
The Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology are prioritizing human trafficking awareness education as part of its education and training. Students enrolled in the 1-year Flight Services Certificate or the 3-year Commercial Flight & Aviation Leadership advanced diploma program receive aviation-specific training about ICAO & IATA’s guidelines for human trafficking, then complete an in-person workshop with an Indigenous knowledge carrier, and then complete the NIMC online certificate to complete their learning. To date, 433 students have received this training before entering the aviation industry.
Haley Whitelaw, professor and coordinator of the Flight Services program, shares, “When flights started back up following the COVID-19 lockdowns, there were lots of cases of people going missing. It’s crucial to have this training in our program to lay the groundwork for when they begin their careers.”
#NIMC and YVR Hosted a National Webinar for Partners and Allies
In partnership with Vancouver International Airport (YVR), we hosted an exclusive national webinar for #NotInMyCity Allies and network partners. Held ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on February 22, the session focused on amplifying anti-human trafficking efforts across Canada, with a focus on aviation and community settings.
We had an incredible lineup of speakers who shared their expertise, passion, and commitment to disrupting this issue:
- Paul Brandt, Founder & CEO of #NotInMyCity
- Amélie Bouvier-Bouchard, Coordinator, Security – Vancouver Airport Authority
- Sean Power, Director, Security, Terminal & Airline Operations – Edmonton International Airport
- Jennifer Richardson, Survivor & Canada’s Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking
- Susannah Pierce, Founder, Human Trafficking Provincial Network of British Columbia
Thank you to everyone who tuned in to be part of this important discussion! Stay tuned for more educational opportunities taking place in 2026.
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE IN ADDRESSING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
#NotInMyCity Founder and CEO Paul Brandt joined a powerful Grand Rounds presentation with the Department of Emergency Medicine in Calgary that highlighted the vital role emergency healthcare providers play in identifying and responding to human trafficking. The presentation blended compelling statistics, survivor stories, and practical tools, and emphasized the need to challenge biases, build trust with patients, and adopt evidence-based protocols. It also underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to support victims, strengthen interventions, and drive meaningful change. Additionally, Paul spoke virtually at The Pediatric Trauma Committee Meeting hosted in Edmonton, further engaging with healthcare professionals to understand and apply best practices in addressing human trafficking and exploitation across sectors.
COLLABORATING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ACROSS CANADA
Law enforcement groups across the country are teaming up with #NIMC to increase education and awareness of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by adopting #NIMC’s e-learning course. Learn more about how law enforcement officers are integrating our education tools, including the Calgary Police Service, leveraging the e-learning course ahead of major events.
Edmonton Police Service
“The Edmonton Police Service is proud to stand with #NotInMyCity in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. These crimes can happen anywhere and often remain hidden. Through our recent partnership with #NotInMyCity, EPS employees are now equipped with enhanced training to better identify, respond to, and disrupt trafficking in our community.”
Lacombe Police Service
“Being an ally means using our voice, our authority, and our actions to protect the vulnerable. For the Lacombe Police Service, it is a commitment to stand with survivors, confront exploitation in all its forms, and work collaboratively to create a community where trafficking and abuse have no place. Our partnership with Not In My City strengthens that mission and reflects our dedication to prevention, education, and meaningful support.” – Chief Jason Dobirstein, Lacombe Police Service
Ottawa Police Service
“I was first introduced to #NotInMyCity when I attended The Maddison Sessions (TMS). I have been a police officer for 16 years, and at the time of the summit, I was new to the Human Trafficking Unit. I had been assigned a large case in which the victims had travelled through several jurisdictions across Canada. TMS gave me the valuable opportunity to collaborate with other human trafficking investigators working in the jurisdictions where those victims were located. While we may never be able to fully measure the difference such initiatives make, I firmly believe #NotInMyCity’s work in education and raising awareness is a powerful tool in helping to disrupt and prevent human trafficking.” – Detective Constable Nadir Siddiqui, Ottawa Police Service
Waterloo Regional Police Service
“Combatting human trafficking requires more than policing – it requires partnership. Through this campaign, we are joining together to strengthen education, collaboration, and enforcement efforts to ensure those affected by this horrible crime are supported and those who are responsible are brought to justice.” – Mark Crowell, Chief of Waterloo Regional Police Service
EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS CANADA TO AMPLIFY IMPACT
Cadillac Fairview Polo Park: This centre originally opened in 1959, and is one of Winnipeg’s largest and most iconic shopping destinations, and a new ally of #NIMC. Patrick Macdonald, Life Safety and Security Manager shares, “We are incredibly proud to partner with Not In My City to bring vital awareness of this crucial issue to our community. Our commitment goes beyond advocacy; we are dedicated to the ongoing education of our frontline staff, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary to identify and assist victims in accessing the life-changing help they need.”
Downtown Prince George
Downtown Prince George is proving that human trafficking prevention starts with community action. Chrisie Berry, Executive Director of Downtown Prince George, shares, “A large part of the message we’re sharing is that it’s okay to speak up. Better to say something and be wrong than to stay silent and miss a chance to potentially save a life.”
Read our recent blog to learn more about this impactful partnership.
Nunastar
Nunastar – the owner of The Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and the Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit, Nunavut – are proud to partner with #NIMC to help raise awareness about human trafficking and the very real impacts it has on individuals, families, and communities across the North and beyond. Through this partnership, Nunastar is taking a proactive step by making human trafficking awareness training mandatory for all hotel staff at both properties. This training will equip team members with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and help create safer spaces for everyone.
ReallyTrusted
This Canadian technology platform helps real estate and mortgage professionals meet legal compliance requirements under Canada’s anti–money‑laundering regulations, and is now partnered with #NIMC. Their Chief Operations Officer and Co-founder, Greg Dent, shares, “Partnering with #NotInMyCity was a natural step for us at ReallyTrusted. Our platform is designed to educate and enable agents and brokers to detect financial crime, and by adding #NotInMyCity’s training, we’re extending that education to address the critical issue of human trafficking. Human trafficking is one of the most despicable crimes in our country, and as the father of four girls, I want to help build a Canada where exploitation has no place.”
Securiguard
For over 29 years, Securiguard has been a trusted safety and security partner at Vancouver International Airport, helping protect people and critical infrastructure at one of Canada’s busiest transportation hubs. By empowering its people to take action and look out for one another, initiatives like this bring Securiguard’s purpose to life: we make people feel safe.
HOSTING IMPACTFUL CONVERSATIONS
Cochrane Generals
Paul Brandt, CEO and Founder of #NotInMyCity, had the privilege of speaking to the Cochrane Generals—a Junior B team full of young men aged 16-22. Together, they shared an important discussion about the realities of human trafficking: recognizing signs, taking action, and rooting in hope. They’re the first hockey team to proudly display #NotInMyCity’s yellow rose emblem on their helmets—symbolizing friendship, prevention, and recovery in the fight against trafficking.
School District 5
In February, School District 5 staff across Cranbrook to Elkford had the opportunity to join a powerful virtual presentation by #NIMC. Paul shared compelling stories from his years of advocacy, highlighting the harsh realities of human trafficking in Canada—including its presence in both urban and rural communities like Cranbrook. The compelling session emphasized practical steps for schools, staff, agencies, RCMP, clinicians, and community partners to build awareness, create safer spaces, prevent exploitation, and support vulnerable youth.
Waterloo Public and Catholic School Boards
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) have partnered with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and #NIMC to identify and put an end to sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Waterloo Region. Scott Miller, WRDSB Director of Education, shares, “We are committed to creating learning environments where every student and staff member in Waterloo Region feels safe, supported, and informed. This partnership enhances our ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking early and empowers school communities to take meaningful action to better protect young people.”
Women, Wealth and Whiskey
#NIMC CEO and Founder Paul Brandt joined this women-led event and spoke about the issue of human trafficking in Canada. The evening was centred around community, connection, and raising awareness, and it was a great show of support and fundraising for #NIMC’s projects.
Sharing the Word on Real Talk
Paul Brandt joined Ryan Jespersen on his “Real Talk” podcast to share his 20-year journey of working to end trafficking. He shared how human trafficking and sexual exploitation are happening in communities across Canada and how the issue can be stopped. Watch the full conversation here!
SUPPORTING SURVIVORS IN THE COMMUNITY
Building a Tradition of Connection in Toronto
What began as a simple invitation to share a meal has grown into a meaningful tradition of connection for trafficking survivors in Toronto. Led by survivor and advocate Bridget Perrier, this annual gathering creates a safe, welcoming space rooted in trust, community, and mutual support—free from expectations or formal programming. As the event continues to grow, it highlights the power of survivor-led initiatives to foster healing, build relationships, and create moments of joy for those rebuilding their lives. #NIMC was pleased to donate in support of the event, ensuring each woman could receive something that made them feel special and cared for at Christmas. Read the full story here.
Providing Essential Items to HER Victory
HER Victory is a local organization that takes a comprehensive approach to supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation, addiction, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. #NIMC supports their work by donating essential items, including shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, laundry detergent, snacks, water, and clothing for their safe house. Katiera Edquilane at HER Victory shares, “We are consistently blown away by the generosity of #NotInMyCity’s donations and commitment to seeing lives restored. Our partnership as we walk alongside individuals on their healing journey truly means so much to us.”
#NotInMyCity also partnered with the Alberta Bike Swap, a non-profit community event in Alberta, where people can buy, sell, or donate used bicycles, that generously donated two mountain bikes. Chris and Laura from Alberta Bike Swap share, “We’re proud to partner with Not In My City to support women in recovery at Her Victory. A bicycle is more than transportation—it’s independence, access to opportunity, and a tangible reminder that forward movement is always possible”.
| DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? Our team would be happy to hear from you! Tell us how our e-learning has impacted your perspective on human trafficking or increased awareness in your workplace. If you are a survivor or you know someone who has a story to share, please email us at info@notinmycity.ca. You may remain anonymous if you choose. |
To learn more about how you can be an ally, and to stay tuned for future fundraising events, follow #NotInMyCity on Instagram or Facebook!
