Paul Brandt receives medal for his work in the fight against human trafficking

Paul Brandt performs at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Calgary on September 8, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

Alberta country musician Paul Brandt has been recognized by the federal government for his work in the fight against human trafficking.

Brandt received a King Charles III Coronation Medal from Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards on Monday.

"I am humbled to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and grateful to His Majesty for this recognition, which provides me the opportunity to shine a light on the plight of human trafficking victims, as well as to thank law enforcement members who work tirelessly to protect society from this heinous crime,” Brandt said in a Monday news release.

In 2014, the award-winning musician founded the #NotInMyCity organization, which aims to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking in Alberta and throughout Canada.

#NotInMyCity has launched educational campaigns, provided resources to law-enforcement and community organizations and supported survivors of trafficking.

"Paul Brandt exemplifies the spirit of Alberta, through his artistry, certainly, but more importantly through his deep commitment to help those in need," Richards said.

“It is an honour to recognize Paul Brandt's legacies as both an artist and a humanitarian with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.”

A former pediatric nurse at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Brandt has become one of Canada’s top names in country music, earning multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards and Juno award nominations.

The medal is awarded to someone who has made a “significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.”