#NotInMyCity movement comes to Grande Prairie

Jun 24, 2026 | 1:02 PM

Grande Prairie Police Services has partnered with the #NotInMyCity movement to combat human trafficking.

According to GPPS, human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the country, with 93 per cent of victims trafficked domestically, and cases often go unreported due to manipulation, fear, threats from traffickers, shame, language barriers, or mistrust of authority.

Alberta-born Country music singer Paul Brandt founded #NotInMyCity and says they are “proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Grande Prairie Police Service in this critical fight.”

“We are sending a clear and uncompromising message: child sexual exploitation and human trafficking are wrong, they will not be tolerated, and they have no place in our communities — not in my city, not in yours, not anywhere.”

Now, both officers and GPPS civilian staff will receive “specialized training to recognize the signs of human trafficking,” while also taking part in awareness initiatives.

Police Chief Dwayne Lakusta has previously been a part of this movement during his time with the Edmonton Police Service and had Brandt speak at his swearing-in ceremony.

Photo Courtesy EGP Staff (Image Credit: Photo Courtesy EGP Staff)

Lakusta says, “human trafficking remains a serious and evolving issue in Grande Prairie and communities across Canada. Addressing it requires strong collaboration between police and community partners. By working together, we can increase awareness, strengthen early intervention, and improve our collective response to support those affected by exploitation.”

Anyone wanting more information on #NotInMyCity or to learn more about human trafficking, click here.

by Tanner Smith