Paul Brandt -Photo credit to Paul Brandt web site

By Dori Modney

Alberta country crooner to Chair Task force to protect vulnerable Albertans

May 19, 2020 | 8:44 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — The Alberta government introduced a newly appointed Human Trafficking Task Force, to find ways to prevent human trafficking and protect and empower survivors.

Tuesday’s announcement may have surprised some people that the man who will Chair the Task Force is someone with “a heart that has a history” for this type of endeavour.

Resident Albertan, Country music superstar and anti-human trafficking advocate Paul Brandt, will lead a seven-member task force that will provide guidance and recommendations on how to best implement the government’s nine-point action plan to combat human trafficking.

Many people may have forgotten that Paul is a registered nurse who used to work at Calgary’s Children’s Hospital. He launched #NonInMyCity organization that raises awareness and takes action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, with a focus on children and youth.

As Premier Jason Kenney noted, “Paul has spent years leading the fight against human trafficking both here and across Canada and has been involved in anti human trafficking efforts internationally.

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The other six members of the Task Force will 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 group’s first two meetings will be held this month with a mandate to:

• Provide guidance and recommendations on supports for survivors.
• Enhance collaboration among all stakeholders and organizations that work with survivors of human trafficking in order to prevent, protect and ensure their safety.
• Engage experts to identify what actions are needed to bring transformational and sustainable change.
• Provide recommendations to help government implement the nine-point action plan and lobby other levels of government to take coordinated action.

“Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and it must be stopped,” stated Paul. “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.”

Related information

• Human trafficking action plan
• Human Trafficking Task Force

Bill 8: Protecting Survivors of Human Trafficking Act