The Nanaimo Airport is participating in a new education program called #NotInMyCity, raising awareness about human trafficking in Canada. (Nanaimo Airport Facebook)

By Jordan Davidson

not in my city

Human trafficking awareness campaign launched at Nanaimo airport

Apr 17, 2024 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — A new educational campaign has been launched at the Nanaimo Airport (YCD), hoping to help shine a brighter light on human trafficking in Canada.

The airport’s new awareness campaign,#NotInMyCity, calls for collective action to be taken to “prevent, disrupt, and end sexual exploitation and trafficking,” according to an airport release.

Terminal and customer care manager at YCD Laurie Hawthornthwaite said transportation hubs like airports can play a crucial role in spotting and disrupting human trafficking, as long as they know how to spot the indicators.

“Seeing passengers who seem fearful, anxious, depressed, nervous, paranoid… I know this does include a lot of passengers, but if you see situations where people aren’t allowed to speak for themselves or they don’t know the details of travel. They’re basically with someone else who’s seeming to manage everything for them.”

According to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCEHT), traffickers often use transportation corridors to move and isolate victims from city to city, while avoiding competition and accessing new markets to maximize profits.

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Hawthornthwaite said information posters are set up around YCD and will walk you through the steps if you suspect someone might be the victim of human trafficking.

“It could be calling airport security or staff to help assess and address the situation if someone is not sure, and if they do see something, they should be calling 9-1-1. That’s going to be your first course if it’s something serious.”

YCD now has material available and posted throughout their terminal which includes indicators someone is the victim of human trafficking, as well as the appropriate contact information. (Nanaimo Airport)

Posters containing a yellow rose with a QR code in the middle will direct you to the #NotInMyCity website.

More subtle posters will also be in the washrooms where victims may have a moment of privacy where they would be more comfortable seeking help.

“Somebody that’s scared or nervous may not have an opportunity to speak to you privately, that’s likely where you’re going to see them.”

According to the CCEHT, human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, and the second-largest source of illegal income worldwide.

In Canada, 21 per cent of trafficking victims are under the age of 18, with Indigenous people making up around half of all trafficking victims, despite only making up four per cent of the population.

Hawthornthwaite said she’s not aware of any human trafficking incidents at YCD in the 12 years she’s worked there.

The #NotInMyCity awareness campaign was created by country music star Paul Brandt in 2017.

“Embracing YCD as a partner in transport will play a significant role in fighting against human trafficking within Canada, an issue that affects young girls and women profoundly,” said Brandt. “My heartfelt thanks go out to the team at YCD for their dedicated efforts in illuminating the issues of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

If you believe you’ve witnessed or are experiencing human trafficking or sexual exploitation in Canada, you can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010, or dial 9-1-1 if you believe the danger is immediate.

With the rose being a symbol of support, the yellow rose was chosen as a symbol for #NotInMyCity, standing in solidarity with trafficking survivors. (Nanaimo Airport/#NotInMyCity)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow