School boards, WRPS partnering to better educate about human trafficking
Posted Mar 13, 2026 06:43:56 AM.
Last Updated Mar 13, 2026 10:52:55 AM.
As human trafficking numbers remain well above the national average in Waterloo Region, the region’s public and Catholic school boards are partnering with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) to bring those numbers back in the right direction.
The partnership looks to integrate awareness campaigns focused on sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and human trafficking to students in Grades 7 through 12.
“It’s very important for us to reach the current and the next generation, to build awareness with young people for them to recognize the signs, the vulnerabilities, and the concerns that especially young people face when it comes to human trafficking,” said Chief Mark Crowell with WRPS.
It comes as the region’s human trafficking numbers sit 70 per cent higher than the provincial average and 178 per cent higher than the national. The average age of a girl being trafficked is just 13 years old.
“We’re hoping that all the schools and the school boards, as a whole, are mobilized through the education and awareness building and getting people equipped to recognize signs of concern and vulnerability, and also creating linkages to supportive organizations that include police, but also a number of organizations throughout our region that can assist,” Crowell said.
It’s raised some red flags among families and communities across Waterloo Region, with the partnership teaming up with the #NotInMyCity campaign to better educate, not just students, but also families, staff, educators and caregivers.
“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,” said Paul Brandt, Founder of #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.”
For school boards, staff say it’s an important step in better informing those students and families of the risks associated with human trafficking, saying education is the best protection.
“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.”
“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.”
Crowell echoed those same sentiments, saying the region’s prime location along Highway 401 between the GTA and southwestern Ontario puts the community in an unfortunate spot when it comes to human trafficking concerns, meaning awareness is key.
“Although we have very high reporting for human trafficking, mostly attributed to the Highway 401 corridor and the opportunities that are here because of just the way our population and our region are structured, we’re also encouraged that there is increased reporting,” Crowell stated. “I think that speaks to the trust that we have in our institutions and our partners that are looking at gender-based violence and, in particular, human trafficking.”
He said a joint effort within Waterloo Region to tackle the growing concerns of human trafficking is the only way to achieve progress, saying it’s the only way to “ensure we’re doing everything we can to say, not in my city, not in this region, not anywhere.”
“Combatting human trafficking requires more than policing — it requires partnership,” Crowell said. “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.”
