Photo: Government of Alberta

By Emily Keller

human trafficking

Paul Brandt to chair Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force

May 19, 2020 | 12:49 PM

The government of Alberta has appointed a new Human Trafficking Task Force, to be chaired by country music artist and advocate against human trafficking, Paul Brandt.

Brandt is also the founder of #NotInMyCity, an organization aimed at raising awareness and taking action against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and is focused on children and youth.

“Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and it must be stopped,” said Brandt. “Serving as chair for the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force is an immense privilege and responsibility, as we work together to protect those who are most vulnerable. Freedom should be for everybody.”

The task force, made up of seven members, will provide guidance and recommendations on implementing the province’s nine-point plan against human trafficking that was announced in February.

The main objectives of the task force are strengthening collaboration between stakeholders and organizations that work with survivors, talking with experts to find what specific actions are needed to create change, and providing guidance and help on supports for survivors.

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The creation of the task force is the second point in the province’s action plan, which also includes increasing efforts to educate the public on human trafficking, specifically vulnerable groups, reporting tips to the new National Human Trafficking Hotline, making sure judges, prosecutors and first responders are properly trained regarding human trafficking, and publishing the names of businesses found to have knowingly facilitated human trafficking.

The action plan also includes working with community groups, other provinces and the federal government to gather and share more data on human trafficking, lobbying the federal government to strengthen penalties against human trafficking through bringing Bill C-452 in effect, introducing legislation to establish a process for restraining orders, and proclaim a Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The other members of the task force include:

• Heather Forsyth – former solicitor general and former minister of Children’s Services
• Dale McFee – chief of police, Edmonton Police Services
• Jan Fox – executive director, REACH Edmonton
• Douglas Reti – director, Backwoods Energy, and former RCMP director general
• Patricia Vargas – director, Catholic Social Services
• Tyler White – CEO, Siksika Health Services

The task force is to hold its first two meetings on May 20 and 21.