Saskatoon's hospitality industry is intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking, a crime that frequently exploits hotel venues. The Hotel Association of Canada launched a nationwide "No Room for Trafficking" campaign, aiming to equip all hotel staff with prevention training.
Kecia Batting, vice-chair of the Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Board, stated that the program significantly enhances staff awareness of trafficking indicators. Training covers recognizing signs, taking precautions, and addressing potential situations.
Signs of trafficking can be subtle. The RCMP notes that victims may be subjected to forced sexual services, labor, or organ removal. Some victims appear disoriented, lack identification, or exhibit physical signs like bruises or specific tattoos, often accompanied by a trafficker.
Statistics Canada reported 154 human trafficking incidents in Saskatchewan between 2014 and 2024, exceeding the national average. Batting emphasized the importance of community awareness, as the crime often goes unnoticed locally.
Singer Paul Brandt's "#notinmycity" foundation is actively raising awareness and support for victims. Brandt highlighted human trafficking as a rapidly growing crime, generating substantial annual revenue for traffickers. He noted increasing engagement from sectors like airports and hotels in Saskatchewan, as well as performance venues, all seeking to contribute to prevention efforts.