N.S. foreign worker reported coerced as Ontario man faces human trafficking charge

RCMP say a temporary foreign worker in Church Point, Nova Scotia, was coerced into long hours, paid $300 and threatened; a 65-year-old man from southern Ontario has been arrested and charged with human trafficking and related offences.

RCMP reported that a temporary foreign worker in Church Point, Nova Scotia, was coerced into working excessive hours over about a year, received $300 in total pay and was threatened. The report led to the arrest of a 65-year-old man from southern Ontario, who has been charged with trafficking in persons, receiving a financial or material benefit, false pretense and extortion, and has also been charged with fraud under $5,000 related to another victim. The YMCA's Migrant Worker Awareness Partnership Project assisted the investigation and RCMP described labour trafficking as an emerging, under‑reported issue in the province. Known details: - A temporary foreign national in Church Point was reportedly coerced into excessive work and threatened over about a year. - The worker received a total of $300 during that period, according to RCMP. - A 65-year-old southern Ontario man was arrested and charged with trafficking in persons, receiving a financial or material benefit, false pretense and extortion; he is also charged with fraud under $5,000 related to another victim. - The YMCA's Migrant Worker Awareness Partnership Project supported the investigation. Summary: RCMP say the investigation identified labour exploitation and led to charges against a man now facing multiple offences. The force noted labour trafficking can be under‑reported and highlighted the role of community partnerships in the case. Undetermined at this time.