Standing Against Exploitation: YXJ Joins National Fight to End Human Trafficking

North Peace Regional Airport (YXJ) announced their partnership with #NotInMyCity in a media release on July 15^th.

Photo from media release

Through the partnership, YXJ will collaborate with #NotInMyCity to increase awareness, educate airport employees and travelers, and further improve identification and prevention of human trafficking in the aviation sector.

#NotInMyCity is a national facilitative organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada according to the release.

“This initiative started when our Administration and Facilities Officer, Dixie Modde, brought forward the idea of partnering with #NotInMyCity,” says Stacy Smith, Managing Director of North Peace Regional Airport. “It immediately resonated with our team as a meaningful way to support the community and bring awareness to a critical issue. The mural now displayed at our Departures entrance is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing human trafficking. Our team is proud to stand behind this effort through education, training, and collaboration.”

#NotInMyCity is a national movement dedicated to building awareness and empowering collective action to prevent, disrupt, and end sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with a special focus on children and youth.

The organization partners with allies in multiple sectors to encourage meaningful action and long-term change according to the release.

In partnership, YOW and #NotInMyCity will train airport staff and provide resources to recognize potential indicators of human trafficking and respond and report as necessary.

“Airports play a critical role in identifying and preventing human trafficking within our communities. North Peace Regional Airport’s dedication to safety, education and awareness represents a meaningful step towards our shared goal of ending trafficking and exploitation in Canada,” says Paul Brandt, Founder, #NotInMyCity.

With this announcement YXJ joins a growing list of airports around Canada that have partnered with #NotInMyCity. For more information about this partnership visit North Peace Regional Airport or check out resources online at NotInMyCity.ca.

North Peace Regional Airport (YXJ) is a place where more than 256,949 commercial passengers started or ended their journey in 2024. The airport acts as a major enabler for travel and commerce, strengthening the entire Peace Region and the community of Fort St. John. 

The airport has two runways, both over 6,000 feet in length, that can handle many different types of aircraft.

North Peace Regional Airport provides connections to major destinations and plays an important role in promoting economic development and regional accessibility.

YXJ supports a diverse mix of aviation activity, including commercial service from WestJet and Air Canada Jazz. The airport also hosts wildfire response units, helicopter operators, charter services, flight schools, medivac operations, and a Nav Canada Flight Service Station.

As a Category 6 airport, YXJ maintains dedicated rescue and firefighting services with two specialized ARFF vehicles.

Beyond aviation, the airport actively supports the North Peace Region through student scholarships, community events, and partnerships with local non-profits.