July 29th, 2024
Halifax, NS – In recognition of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, Commissionaires Nova Scotia (Commissionaires), the province’s premier provider of security and background screening services, is proud to share their initiative to train all 1,300 commissionaires in how to recognize the signs of human trafficking in their daily work.
“Our commitment to fight human trafficking is unwavering,” says Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia. “Over the past year, we have equipped over 25% of our security professionals with the necessary skills to recognize and report suspicious activities. We continue to offer the program to our commissionaires in the field. New recruits go through the program as a part of our mandatory Commissionaires Security Officer Course. Our goal is to have all commissionaires trained by the end of 2026.”
Human trafficking remains a significant challenge both globally and locally. It has been nearly a year since Commissionaires launched their Human Trafficking 101 (HT101) training. The training began in Fall of 2023, with day-long workshops led by Cpl. David Lane, a member of the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit with the Nova Scotia RCMP. Since then, a one-hour HT101 online program has been developed and launched. This program aims to educate commissionaires from Sydney to Yarmouth, to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report any suspicions to the proper authorities. HT101 has greatly enhanced the number of vigilant eyes at key transport nodes across Nova Scotia, including airports, seaports, ferry terminals, toll plazas, and bridges – all places where commissionaires are stationed
Cpl. Lane underscores the importance of widespread awareness and cooperation, “Combatting human trafficking requires a united front,” says Cpl. Lane. “The extensive training provided to Commissionaires staff ensures that more eyes and ears are available to detect potential human trafficking situations. Their presence in public spaces means they can play a crucial role in identifying red flags and reporting them to law enforcement.”
In 2023, CEO Bary Pitcher met commissionaire Raymond Donovan. Donovan, who has been with Commissionaires for over 25 years shared the story of his daughter, Jennifer Donovan, an Indigenous woman who was murdered in 2019. Her story highlighted the critical need for awareness and action against human trafficking. This spurred the organization to take action.
Training coordinator Emily Thompson has traveled to St. John’s, NL, and Kingston, ON, to conduct HT101 and the Human Trafficking Train the Trainer (HT-TTT) program for other divisions within Commissionaires. HT-TTT enables other instructors to run HT101 courses for the commissionaires within their divisions.
Commissionaires is committed to creating a safer environment for everyone and urges the public to remain vigilant. If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902 449 2425. Suspected human trafficking crimes can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 833 900 1010 or anonymously to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS (8477).
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Media Contact:
Jill Smith-George
Marketing & Communications Manager
Commissionaires Nova Scotia
[email protected]
902 421 2384
About Commissionaires Nova Scotia
Commissionaires Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization providing security and background screening services across the province. With a workforce of over 1,300 employees, Commissionaires is dedicated to enhancing public safety and supporting community initiatives.
About World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.