New education programme launched at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to disrupt human trafficking

PortsToronto launched a new education programme at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to help disrupt human trafficking in Canadian airports in collaboration with #NotInMyCity and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) Human Trafficking Unit.

Founded by country superstar Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is a facilitative organisation that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. In the transport sector, #NotInMyCity is a leading partner who is helping address human trafficking across several sectors in Canada, including the aviation industry.

The purpose of the learning programme is to provide all airport employees and partners with knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, including the behavioural signs that might indicate an exploited person, and how to get help without putting the concerned individual in harm’s way. The course has been designed with aviation expertise and has drawn on international aviation best practices. Members of the public are invited to learn more about the issue by taking a free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca.

While more than 40 employees attended the in-person TPS training session at the Billy Bishop Airport fire hall on January 26, including Enforcement Officers, first responders, and airline and terminal staff, the online learning programme will be made available to all airport partners and to hundreds of staff working in all areas of the airport.

“PortsToronto has long demonstrated its commitment to Toronto and its waterfront communities by supporting charitable organisations and causes that are important to us and the partners, passengers and community members that we interact with on a daily basis,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Airport.  “As the owner and operator of a key transportation hub in downtown Toronto, we recognise that we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to equip our staff with the awareness and resources that could help make a difference and disrupt human trafficking activity at Canadian airports.”

“When it comes to addressing and suppressing human trafficking, awareness and education are a priority,” says Paul Brandt, Founder and CEO of #NotInMyCity. “We’re thankful that PortsToronto is allying with #NotInMyCity and the Toronto Police Service to raise employee and public awareness about the realities of human trafficking in Canada. We’re pleased to be working alongside Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Staff and Partners. #NotInMyCity welcomes YTZ to our robust network of airport partner allies across Canada.”

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% of the country’s population, 50% of Canada’s trafficking victims are Indigenous people.

According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, transportation corridors are frequently used by traffickers, and once a victim has been recruited, traffickers will often move them from city to city to maximise profits, access new markets and avoid competition. It also helps keep control of the victim who may not know where they are or how to get help, making it easier for traffickers to evade detection by police. Victims of labour trafficking may also enter Canada by way of air travel, under the false promise of a job or educational opportunity.

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.