Kamloops Airport partners with #NotInMyCity initiative to guard against human trafficking

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Airport (YKA) has partnered with #NotInMyCity, a Canadian-based advocacy organization that is dedicated to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

#NotInMyCity founder, country musician Paul Brandt, says human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, with victims often moved through airports or other transportation systems.

“We have had tremendous success partnering with airports throughout the country to help drive awareness and education, and ultimately helping to stop traffickers and protect survivors,” Brandt said.

“Through employee training and awareness campaigns, airport employees and volunteers will be better equipped to identify the signs of human trafficking.”

Kamloops Airport joins a number of others across Canada that have signed on as transportation allies of Not In My City. Other B.C. airports that are part of the initiative include Kelowna, Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Prince George.

“As Kamloops is located at the intersection of two major transportation corridors, the airport has a responsibility as a committed community partner to participate in this program,“ YKA Managing Director Ed Ratuski said, in a statement.

“[We will] offer airport employees the necessary training to recognize cases of human trafficking and take appropriate action.”

The partnership was announced ahead of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is February 22. February is also Human Trafficking Awareness month.

“We warmly welcome Kamloops Airport to our network, strengthening the chain of vigilance we are building among our air transportation Allies,” Brandt added. “Together, we are working together to end the terrible crimes of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

You can find out more about the #NotInMyCity initiative here.