Hotels across Canada unite against human trafficking with ‘Not in Our Hotel’ training

Through the national Not in Our Hotel initiative, hotel staff are gaining free access to training that helps them recognize, respond to, and prevent human trafficking. The program is offered in partnership with hotel associations from Ontario to British Columbia and is quickly becoming a cornerstone of hotel safety culture.

“By ensuring every hotel employee understands the signs of human trafficking and knows how to respond, we are taking a stand as an industry to say: not in our hotels,” says Tracy Douglas-Blowers, president and CEO of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, and traffickers often exploit the anonymity of hotels. The Not in Our Hotel program equips staff to identify potential red flags, protect guests and employees, and support their communities.

The training includes:

• Online modules with certificates of completion
• Posters, reference guides, and on-the-job tools for frontline staff
• Manager resources to support property-wide awareness and policy

Participation is free for hotel owners, managers, and employees in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Hundreds of properties have already adopted the program, and industry leaders continue to encourage hotels of all sizes to take part.

“Not In Our Hotel sends a loud and clear message: we will not tolerate human trafficking in the hotel industry,” says Jim Bence, president and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan. “Thanks to our dedicated members and their staff, we already have a strong track record of combatting trafficking and supporting survivors. There is still much more to do, and our commitment to training and education will continue to make the difference.”

Linda Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, urges hotel employees to remain vigilant. “Our Canadian hotels and their staff are known around the world for their incredible hospitality, but when it comes to human trafficking, we want criminals to know they're not welcome,” she says. “The victims of human trafficking need our help, and your anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers can make a real difference. Please speak up, because the victims cannot.”

The program is sponsored by Western Financial Group and remains open to hotels across the participating provinces.

For more information and to access the free training, visit www.notinourhotel.ca.