Eyes Open Calgary

Human trafficking is a growing and hidden crime in Alberta. Since the creation of ALERT’s human trafficking unit in 2020, 576 charges have been laid and 169 arrests made in Alberta. In 2024, Calgary accounted for 17 arrests and 108 charges in trafficking or related investigations. Many victims are moved along everyday routes that most of us use, including Calgary Transit buses and LRT lines. In fact, Calgary Transit handles over 100 million passenger trips annually across its bus and LRT system, making it Alberta’s largest public transit network. These same routes can also be lifelines for escape.

#NotInMyCity (#NIMC) is a Calgary-based organization that brings industry, government, and community together to prevent and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our partnerships with airports and airlines across Canada have proven that awareness and education in the transportation sector saves lives. Now, we want to bring that same approach to Calgary Transit’s bus system.

This project will pilot an awareness and education campaign designed to help Calgary Transit staff and riders recognize the signs of trafficking and connect people to help safely. Our initiative will:

-Equip transit operators and frontline staff with a #NIMC eLearning module to help promote awareness of human trafficking, how to spot and understand red flags, and appropriate response steps.

-Place discreet awareness signage (stickers, ads) on select buses and bus station shelters to reach both the public and potential victims who may see transit as a way out.

-Connect to local help lines ensuring that anyone who sees a sign or needs to reach out has immediate access to support.

This project directly benefits the Calgary community, particularly those who are vulnerable to exploitation or in need of safe escape routes.

Primary beneficiaries:

1. Calgary Transit staff: 50+ drivers and other frontline staff who are uniquely positioned to notice concerning behaviours and connect people to help.

2. Vulnerable riders: Hundreds of individuals who may be using Calgary Transit to flee dangerous situations or who are being transported by traffickers within the city. This includes newcomers, Indigenous women and youth, low-income individuals, and students, who statistically utilize public transit more frequently and who also face higher risk of coercion and exploitation.

Secondary beneficiaries:

1. Calgary Police Service and community safety partners, who benefit from earlier detection and reporting.

2. The broader public, who become part of a citywide movement to watch out for one another.