WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Waterloo Region School Boards Partner with Waterloo Regional Police and #NotInMyCity to Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) are proud to announce that they have partnered with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and national facilitative organization #NotInMyCity to identify and put an end to sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Waterloo Region.

Working with #NotInMyCity is one of the many ways WRDSB, WCDSB and WRPS are facilitating awareness and increased education about human trafficking in the Region.

WRDSB and WCDSB have engaged in professional development about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, as part of the Ministry of Education's Keeping Students Safe Policy (PPM 166). As partners in education and raising awareness in the community, WRDSB and WCDSB collaborate with WRPS on providing information and resources to support students, staff, parents, families and caregivers.

WRDSB and WCDSB have implemented awareness campaigns for students in Grades 7-12 to help them understand the issue, identify potential warning signs, and know where to turn for help.

"We are committed to creating learning environments where every student and staff member in Waterloo Region feels safe, supported, and informed," said Scott Miller, WRDSB Director of Education. "This partnership enhances our ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking early and empowers  school communities to take meaningful action to better protect young people."

Since 2020, the Region of Waterloo has experienced elevated rates of victimization of human trafficking when compared to provincial and national rates, with this form of Gender Based Violence disproportionately affecting women and girls.

"We are committed to ensuring our staff and students are equipped with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent human trafficking," said Annalisa Varano, WCDSB Director of Education. "Creating safe and informed school communities is essential, and this partnership strengthens our collective ability to protect young people."

In 2024, the rates of victimization of human trafficking in Waterloo Region (3.4 people per 100,000) was approximately 70% greater than the Ontario rate (1.99 people per 100,000) and 178% greater than the National rate (1.22 people per 100,000; Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, Statistics Canada).

"Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children and equip young people with the awareness they need to stay safe from exploitation," says Paul Brandt, Founder, #NotInMyCity. "By partnering with the Waterloo Region School Boards, we are strengthening our shared commitment to preventing human trafficking through education, leadership, and community action."

"Combatting human trafficking requires more than policing - it requires partnership," said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. "Through this campaign, we are joining together to strengthen education, collaboration, and enforcement efforts to ensure those affected by this horrible crime are supported and those who are responsible are brought to justice."

The Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services offers resources to help learn about the possible signs that someone is at risk for human trafficking. They also offer resources to support parents, families and caregivers with talking to children about human trafficking. Learn more about #NotInMyCity at notinmycity.ca.