Ten years ago, a tragic incident unfolded on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton when a speeding BMW, driven by a drunk driver, crashed, killing a 21-year-old woman named Maddison Fraser and claiming the driver’s life a month later. While the crash garnered public attention, what remained hidden at the time was Maddison’s harrowing backstory. A victim of sex trafficking, she was manipulated into the trade by someone she trusted. Her mother, Jennifer Holleman, revealed that Maddison was lured from Nova Scotia to Alberta under false pretenses, believing she was starting a new life. Instead, she faced unimaginable abuse and exploitation, including physical violence and sexual assault, as she was moved from city to city, isolated and controlled by her trafficker.
Paul Brandt, a musician and co-chair of the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons, shared Maddison’s story to highlight the importance of dedicated resources for trafficking victims. At an event in Edmonton International Airport, he announced the establishment of a safe room aimed at assisting individuals escaping from human trafficking or domestic violence. This safe haven is one of only two such facilities at a Canadian airport, with the other located in Calgary. Brandt emphasized the staggering global human trafficking industry, which generates over $180 billion annually, with traffickers in Canada earning a substantial income per victim. Tragically, the average age for trafficking victims is now as low as 13 years old, often skewing younger, and the majority of victims are girls.
The initiative by #NotInMyCity, which Brandt founded to combat the widespread misconception that human trafficking is a distant problem, underscores the severity of the issue in Canada. Many citizens initially deny the existence of such crimes within their communities, yet the reality is that trafficking has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. RCMP Insp. Kiel Samotej pointed out that labor trafficking is also a significant concern in Alberta, where individuals seeking new beginnings can inadvertently fall victim to exploitation by traffickers disguised as benefactors. It is crucial to recognize that victims can be of any age, further complicating efforts to combat trafficking.
In response to the increasing awareness of trafficking, Edmonton International Airport has partnered with #NotInMyCity to provide comprehensive training for its staff and partners. Over 20,000 individuals across Canada have completed this training, which equips them with the skills to recognize potential signs of trafficking. Health care professionals, in particular, play a vital role as many victims access medical care while trafficked, yet often do not receive the help they need. The airport’s involvement is strategic, as survivors frequently pass through major transportation hubs en route to various forms of exploitation in industries such as hospitality and agriculture.
The airport’s safe room is a private, secure space for individuals experiencing crisis or trauma, designed to provide a comforting environment until help arrives. It features essential amenities, including couches, a bed, a kitchenette, and fresh clothing, ensuring the needs of the affected individuals are met. Emphasis is placed on a no-harm approach, where staff are trained to discreetly assist without alerting potential traffickers who may be nearby. This approach showcases the airport’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and intervening appropriately to prevent further harm.
Acknowledgment of the disproportionate targeting of Indigenous women in human trafficking led to the safe room being named Kîsê Watotâtôwin, following an Indigenous naming ceremony. The airport, in collaboration with various agencies, remains proactive in addressing trafficking and continues to innovate in creating supportive spaces for victims. Efforts to combat this rampant crime are ongoing, with calls for more safe rooms and increased awareness among the public, as highlighted by Brandt. With grassroots programs like #NotInMyCity taking root, there is hope that communities can unite to combat trafficking and foster a culture of vigilance and support for those at risk.
