Montreal centre for Inuit issues warning about unmarked vehicles trying to pick up clients

A lodging centre that helps Inuit in Montreal's West Island is advising clients to be aware of suspicious "scammer drivers" trying to offer them rides from Montreal's Trudeau airport.

Ullivik, a centre for Inuit to stay when travelling south for medical care, has received reports about a white van and a white taxi trying to persuade Inuit to get into their vehicles.

The centre became concerned after a client complained that someone tried to lure her into an unmarked van with dark windows.

"She knew that it was not right because we have all of our vans marked," said Ullivik's executive director, Rita Novalinga.

The centre has its own shuttle service and partners with the cab company Taxi Hits to offer rides to clients.

While there do not appear to have been any reported criminal incidents, Novalinga says she wants to warn people to be on the lookout, especially as security for Inuit continues to be a concern when arriving in larger cities.

Novalinga says the drivers of these vehicles could be trying to take advantage of Inuit.

"We just want to make sure everybody is safe here," said Novalinga, adding that sometimes Inuit are unaware of the possible dangers in larger cities because they are coming from small communities.

"They come from communities that have 200, 400, 800 people. So it's a big change," said Novalinga.

"I always say it's like coming to a different country because of all the changes."

Nakuset, the executive director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, says the risk to Inuit is high.

"It feels like this population is being targeted … it's alarming," said Nakuset.

She said the situation at the airport is an example of a larger issue — noting that some Inuit are targeted when they age out of the youth protection system or fall into the shelter system.

"They're picked up by people that are doing human trafficking, pulling them into the sex trade and it's absolutely devastating," said Nakuset.

"Like something needs to be done and there needs to be an outcry ... I mean, if there was a large enough alert about it, then people can be ready."

Novalinga says the centre has a good relationship with police in the area and meet with them monthly.

She says Ullivik has made clients aware of the situation, posting notices in the area, but she also wants to ensure clients are not discouraged from travelling south, especially for important medical care.

"Nobody needs to be scared," said Novalinga.