In a disturbing case that unfolded across three rural communities in Saskatchewan, two individuals have been charged with human trafficking. The Saskatchewan RCMP arrested Mohammad Masum, 41, from Tisdale, and 52-year-old Sohel Haider from Elrose on June 29. The charges stem from the exploitation of a woman from Bangladesh who was forced to toil 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, in restaurants located in Gull Lake, Elrose, and Tisdale.
The victim, who had moved to Saskatchewan and obtained a work permit, endured appalling conditions when not working. Confined to a water-damaged concrete basement with minimal lighting, she lived in fear of having her work permit revoked if she disobeyed her employers or attempted to seek help from the authorities.
The investigation, initiated earlier this year, culminated in the arrests. Supt. Glenn Church, officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan enforcement response team, emphasized the multifaceted nature of human trafficking, noting that it extends beyond urban centers to reach communities both big and small, including Saskatchewan.
“This investigation illustrates human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor,” Church said. “It’s important that residents recognize the signs of trafficking and report these occurrences to police immediately.”
The legal response to human trafficking in Saskatchewan has taken a significant step forward with the enactment of the Protection from Human Trafficking Act on April 20, 2022. Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant stressed the rising incidence of human trafficking, labeling it as under-reported in most jurisdictions. The legislation aims to enhance safety for survivors while holding traffickers accountable for their heinous crimes.
The Act streamlines the process for victims to obtain a protection order, which now includes provisions prohibiting traffickers from contacting victims in any way. Victims can apply for protection orders independently or with assistance from designated individuals such as shelter employees or medical professionals. Severe penalties, including fines, driver’s license suspensions, and jail time, are in place to deter violators of protection orders.
Wyant acknowledged the issue’s complexity and highlighted the multifaceted approach required for effective intervention. While criminal charges remain the primary response to such crimes, the legislation provides community-based organizations and law enforcement with additional tools to aid trafficking victims in Saskatchewan.
Notably, the Protection from Human Trafficking Act enables victims to pursue legal action against their traffickers, seeking financial compensation for the harm suffered. The legislation aligns with measures implemented in other provinces, such as Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta, in responding to the growing incidence of human trafficking across Canada.
Supt. Glenn Church, in discussing the arrests in Tisdale and Elrose, stressed the vital role of community awareness in combating human trafficking. “Things we’re looking for are people being escorted or watched by somebody; if somebody shows signs of malnourishment, sometimes they won’t have access to their documents,” Church stated. He urged residents to be vigilant, emphasizing that the signs of trafficking are not confined to metropolitan areas but can manifest in rural Saskatchewan as well.
As Saskatchewan struggles with the complex issue of human trafficking, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, legislation, and community awareness are crucial in providing support to victims and ensuring traffickers are held accountable for their reprehensible actions.
