The two organizations are working together to help airport staff identify the signs and take action
FORT MCMURRAY, AB (June 15, 2021) – The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is pleased to share that it has embarked on a new education program for all airport employees in collaboration with #NotInMyCity.
The purpose of the learning program is to provide all airport employees and contractors with knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, 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.
Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are the fastest growing crimes in Canada and are 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 per cent of the country’s population, 50 percent of Canada’s trafficking victims are Indigenous people.
Founded by country superstar Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization 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 has already formally collaborated with the Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, and the Alberta Motor Transport Association.
RJ Steenstra, President & CEO of Fort McMurray Airport Authority is helping to provide tools and skills for staff to identify human trafficking within the airport.
“We know that human trafficking victims pass through our airport, and we want to do everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and visitors,” says RJ Steenstra, President & CEO of Fort McMurray Airport Authority, “By working with #NotInMyCity, we are able to leverage the well-researched e-learning already in place, while adding enhanced screening tools and skills for our airport employees to use in their daily duties, staying vigilant and taking action when appropriate.”
It is anticipated that more than 57 direct and partner employees will participate in the e-learning program in the coming months, and it will be a mandatory component of security awareness training for all airport personnel with a role in the aviation security program in the future.
Says Paul Brandt, Founder of #NotInMyCity, “Creating awareness and providing education about human trafficking and sexual exploitation lets people recognize that these crimes are taking place here in Canada. By working with organizations such as the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, we have more people staying vigilant, and knowing what to do if they suspect a victim is travelling through their airport.”
According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking1, transportation corridors are frequently used by traffickers, and once a victim has been recruited, traffickers will often move them from city to city to maximize 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.
#NotInMyCity offers an interactive e-learning course for anyone interested in learning more about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. It was developed in collaboration with national and international thought leaders. Upon completion of the free 30-minute e-course, participants are awarded with a certificate. Nearly 1,000 participants have completed the course in the past six months alone.
In Alberta, anyone can all 2-1-1 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.
Country superstar Paul Brandt is the founder of #NotInMyCity, an organization aiming to end the sexual exploitation of children and youth.
1 https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/the-role-of-the-trans...
About #NotInMyCity #NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization launched by Paul Brandt that is raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. The #NotInMyCity movement is growing. We are working in alliance with key stakeholders, creating awareness, educating others and mobilizing a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at all levels.
About The Fort McMurray Airport Authority The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is an independent not-for-profit capital corporation that owns and operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). FMAA operates like a local business, facilitating critical transportation services, creating local jobs, procuring local goods and services and offering commercial land leasing opportunities. All surplus revenue generated from commercial activities are reinvested back into airport operations and infrastructure to ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement
Giving back to the community is central to what Charlotte Douglas International Airport and its operator, the City of Charlotte Aviation Department, is about, and last year was no different.
Throughout 2022, while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our efforts to have a positive impact on the Charlotte community. Of particular note, we spent the year sharing stories of how Connections Don't Just Happen at the Terminal - from creating homeownership and employment opportunities to supporting economic growth through small-business development and offering outreach programs to help residents understand the Airport better.
This whitepaper highlights the construction projects, initiatives, programs and events that validate Charlotte Douglas as a premier airport.
Download the whitepaper: 2022 Charlotte Douglas International Airport Report of Achievement.