Human trafficking awareness organization offers free e‑learning course

PortsToronto has launched a new education program 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 singer and celebrity, 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 is a partner who is helping address human trafficking across several sectors in Canada, including the aviation industry.

The purpose of the learning program 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 and across industry are invited to learn more by taking a free e-learning course found at notinmycity.ca.

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 four per cent of the country's population, 50 per cent 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 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.

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.