Liz John-West, known to many in McCauley and Alberta Avenue, is the new Executive Director for the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Jessica Steingard, CEASE Board President, welcomed Liz to her new position: “She comes to us having spent many years serving vulnerable Albertans. We are confident CEASE will continue to grow and thrive under her leadership.”

“The buying and selling of human beings, especially vulnerable women and girls, is one of the world’s fastest growing crimes,” says Liz. “This crime leaves deep and lasting scars on its victims. CEASE has dedicated the last 25 plus years to ending sex trafficking. I am honoured to take the baton from Kate Quinn and further the action and dialogue needed to end sex trafficking in Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada. CEASE is a force for change, and I strongly believe that with collaboration and hard work we can build a society where traffickers are held accountable, buyers are charged, and women and girls are freed.”

As outgoing Executive Director, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the past 27 years of working with CEASE, formerly PAAFE. The work was rooted in our experiences in McCauley and other core communities in the early nineties. CEASE has offered me rich learning opportunities and inspirational moments. It is a community initiative that requires the insights, skills, and experience of many, especially those whose lives are touched by any aspect of sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and social inequality.

It has been my privilege to work with dedicated staff throughout the years. They are fierce advocates for the women and men who trusted them to walk alongside, bearing witness to painful histories and celebrating milestones of healing and forging new pathways. Past and current Board members give generously of their time to lead the organization and support the staff team and the vision and mission of CEASE. I wish to thank the women, men, and 2SLGBTQIA people who have so graciously been great teachers, sharing and challenging me to deepen my understanding. I look forward to hearing about new opportunities that Liz will create for CEASE!

Kate Quinn is the past Executive Director of CEASE. She lives in McCauley.