Calgary Stampede: Human Trafficking Prevention Under Scrutiny

CALGARY, AB — As the conversation around human trafficking prevention heats up in academic circles, a local psychology professor is looking for answers about what the Calgary Stampede is actually doing to fight exploitation during the 10-day event. The question is simple: Does the Stampede have a plan, or is this still a blind spot?

The professor's interest was sparked by renewed attention on trafficking networks following the Epstein files resurfacing in public discourse. "Human trafficking spikes at large events that draw out of town audiences," the professor notes, pointing to patterns documented around mega-events like the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. The actual exploitation doesn't happen at the rodeo grounds—it's the hotels, bars, and party venues surrounding the event where handlers bring victims to exploit them.

The Prevention Playbook

The professor suggests straightforward prevention tactics that event organizers can deploy: public service announcements about sticking with your group, recognizing when someone is pushing boundaries or using coercion tactics, and information about "love bombing" techniques that recruiters use to ensnare victims. For those looking to hook up during Stampede, awareness campaigns about safe sex work could also make a difference.

But here's the catch: It's unclear whether the Stampede organization has implemented any of these specific public awareness campaigns. Calgary Police Service did announce an increased presence for the 2025 Stampede, partnering with officers from the Blood Tribe and Tsuut'ina, along with Calgary Transit and AHS, focusing on reporting suspicious activity. Yet no confirmed data links trafficking incidents specifically to Stampede 2025, and whether the event itself runs dedicated prevention programming remains an open question.

The Local Players

Calgary is already home to serious anti-trafficking firepower. #NotInMyCity, founded by country musician Paul Brandt, works to disrupt sexual exploitation through awareness and prevention. The organization received a record donation from YYC Calgary Airport in 2025 and has raised over $20,000 through the "A Not So Silent Summer" concert series.

The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons, co-chaired by Brandt and Angela Adsit, focuses on public awareness, survivor support, and holding traffickers accountable. RESET Society of Calgary provides safe housing for women exiting exploitation through its EXIT Program and received part of the $5.5 million the Alberta government distributed to 19 organizations in February 2025 through the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant. ACT Alberta offers training and raises awareness across the province.

Calgary as a Hub

Calgary Police Service Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Bell has acknowledged that Calgary is a hub for human trafficking, with cases climbing due to the city's strong economic climate and higher fees for sexual services. The 2025 Stampede generated an estimated $721 million in economic impact across Alberta, with $389 million from the 10-day event alone—a massive influx of cash and crowds that can attract illicit activity.

The professor is now seeking connections with local non-profits and information about whether the Stampede has a formal policy or dedicated staff focused on trafficking prevention. The question isn't just academic—it's about whether one of Calgary's biggest annual events is doing enough to protect vulnerable people during its most lucrative days.

If the Stampede has started tackling this, it's worth celebrating. If not, the blueprint is already sitting on the table.