Flair Airlines has announced a new educational program for employees in collaboration with #NotInMyCity, designed to equip airline employees with skills to identify and help stop instances of human trafficking.
Founded by Canadian country artist Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is raising awareness and taking action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth.
The program is set to provide Flair Airlines employees with the knowledge and awareness about sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, by understanding the behavioural signs that might indicate an exploited person, and how to get help without putting the victim in harm's way.
The course specially designed for the aviation sector is available free of charge to any airline or airport throughout the country, and Flair has moved to make this a requirement for all employees. It is part of an safety and employee training program being completed by all Flair employees by FEB 2022.
"This type of learning program for our employees is eye-opening, immersive and informative. We are pleased to be partnering with #NotInMyCity to provide training to our employees as well as the chance to educate the broader public about these crimes," said Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Flair Airlines.
Paul Brandt said: "While we don't want to think about human trafficking and sexual exploitation taking place in our own country, the fact is that it does exist, and many traffickers are regularly moving victims through our airports to different cities. We are grateful to Flair Airlines for serving as an ally to identify signs of trafficking and knowing what to do."
According to a press release, human trafficking and sexual exploitation are the fastest growing crimes in Canada and are the second largest source of illegal income worldwide. It says that in Canada, 21 per cent of trafficking victims are under the age of 18, and in addition, 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. Victims of labour trafficking may also enter Canada by way of air travel, under the false promise of a job or educational opportunity.
In addition, #NotInMyCity offers an interactive e-learning course for anyone interested in learning more about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. Upon completion of the free 30-minute e-course, participants are awarded with a certificate.
To learn more, visit notinmycity.ca or flyflair.com/travel-info/special-services/notinmycity.
