According to #NotInMyCity, three out of four reported human trafficking cases in Canada involve victims under the age of 25. The majority are women, and more than a quarter are minors.
On the United Nation's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Edmonton’s airport opened a dedicated safe room for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and those experiencing tragedy at the airport.
Busy airports like YEG are often key points where traffickers move victims. Now, tucked away in an undisclosed area of the terminal, the safe room offers a warm, livable environment equipped with amenities like a bed, couches, kitchenette, bathroom, clothing, food, internet and communication tools. This haven is where someone being trafficked can get in touch with local law enforcement.
The room, named Kîsê Watotâtôwin ᑮᓭ ᐘᑐᑖᑑᐏᐣ, means “sharing and giving our kindness and compassion to each other,” said Carmen Donnelly, YEG’s vice-president of passenger experience and terminal operations. “Naming the space with an Indigenous name and through ceremony is impactful. It connects the space to the culture, spirituality, healing and the sense of safety,” she said.
YEG partnered with #NotInMyCity, the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta (ACT), the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), the Centre to Empower All Survivors of Exploitation (CEASE) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to open this space.
This initiative is not just a physical space. At YEG, more than 2,000 airport team members have already received training to spot red flags, such as travellers who can’t explain their itinerary or don’t control their own ID. Training sessions will continue in August, extending to more airport staff and partners, Donnelly said.
This education is already yielding results says Paul Brandt, founder and CEO of #NotInMyCity. Speaking with the Edmonton Journal, he recalled a moment at another Canadian airport where a security guard stopped him and said, “I took your training a month ago, and two weeks ago, I identified a victim, and I knew what to do.”
Survivors often arrive via major airports and transit through the province before exploitation in industries like hospitality, agriculture or sex work. The more people who know what signs to look for, the stronger the resolve to end human trafficking.
“Airports play a critical role in intercepting human trafficking at the point of travel," said Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Government of Alberta. "We will continue to forge strong partnerships across governments, law enforcement and community organizations to disrupt criminal activity and protect those at risk,” adds Ellis.
Edmonton’s airport is now one of more than 30 across Canada working with #NotInMyCity to fight trafficking at transit points.
