Ontario man facing trafficking charge in N.S. for allegedly coercing foreign worker

CITYnews halifax / By The Canadian Press

Nova Scotia RCMP say an Ontario man is facing a human trafficking charge for allegedly employing a foreign national for a year and paying them $300.

The Mounties in Digby, N.S., say that in July 2025 they received a report alleging a foreign national working on a temporary basis in nearby Church Point was being exploited by a local business.

The RCMP’s human trafficking unit was called in to lead the investigation.

The police force alleges the victim was threatened and coerced into working excessive hours.

The 65‑year‑old accused has also been charged with extortion, knowingly making false statements about the payment of money, and deriving financial benefit knowing that it was obtained from the commission of an offence.

Related:

• Alberta man brought back to Halifax on historical human trafficking charges
• Halifax among the highest reporting of human trafficking incidents in Canada: RCMP
• Halifax police charge two men as part of human trafficking investigation

The Ontario man was also charged with fraud under $5,000 in relation to another victim.

“The investigative team wants to acknowledge the support the YMCA’s Migrant Worker Awareness Partnership Project offers victims,” RCMP Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane said in a statement.

“Partnerships with community groups across the province are critical to the success of human trafficking investigations, and the YMCA was particularly valuable in this case.”

Labour trafficking in Nova Scotia

Mounties went on to say labour trafficking is an emerging and under reporting issue in Nova Scotia.

“Our mix of industries and seasonal employment can create conditions where people are more vulnerable to exploitation,” said McFarlane. “For some individuals, language barriers, transportation issues, or concerns about their job or immigration status can make it difficult to ask for help.”

He said all workers in Canada are protected under law, adding employers can’t threaten deportation or interfere with a person’s legal status.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2026.