Human trafficking is often viewed as an issue that happens in big cities or other parts of the world. However, as recent events in Saskatchewan have shown, human trafficking is not confined to urban areas—it’s happening in small towns and rural communities as well.

The ongoing trial in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, involving two men accused of exploiting a woman, sheds light on the harsh realities of human trafficking. This case, which is expected to stretch into 2025, has raised alarms about the growing presence of this crime, even in remote areas. The victim, who was brought to Canada under false pretenses, was forced into a nightmare of forced labor and abuse across several small-town restaurants. Tragically, her story is not unique. The details of this case highlight the need for awareness, vigilance, and action to protect those at risk.


The Reality of Human Trafficking in Rural Areas

Human trafficking is a global issue, but it’s often thought of as something that only occurs in major metropolitan areas. This belief is one of the reasons why many people fail to recognize the warning signs of trafficking when it happens in their own communities.

The case in Saskatchewan is a stark reminder that human trafficking can happen anywhere, including rural areas like Tisdale, Gull Lake, and Elrose. In fact, the victim’s testimony describes how she was lured to Canada on a visitor’s permit and promised a job with decent pay. Instead, she found herself working long hours—up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week—at multiple restaurants in squalid living conditions. The victim also reported being threatened with deportation and violence if she refused to comply with her traffickers’ demands.


“This investigation illustrates that human trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor. It’s not just a big city issue—human trafficking is present in communities both big and small, including Saskatchewan,” said Superintendent Glenn Church of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Enforcement Response Team (SERT).

Human traffickers often target vulnerable individuals, luring them with promises of jobs, better living conditions, and opportunities. They may offer low-paying jobs, but once the victim is under their control, they are forced to work in unsafe, abusive environments. They may also face physical or psychological threats to keep them from escaping.

While the victim in this case had initially come to Canada with the belief that she would be earning money at a restaurant, what she endured is a clear example of how traffickers exploit vulnerable people by forcing them into exploitative labor. Forced labor is a form of human trafficking, and it’s a serious problem that needs to be recognized and addressed.


Forced Labor: A Hidden Form of Exploitation

Forced labor is often an overlooked aspect of human trafficking. Many people are familiar with the idea of trafficking for sex, but forced labor is just as common and just as harmful. Forced labor occurs when individuals are coerced into working under threats, manipulation, or deception. They may not be paid for their work, or they may receive far less than they are owed, and they may be subjected to abusive conditions.

The case in Saskatchewan shows how victims of forced labor often live in substandard conditions. The woman at the center of the trial was forced to live in an unfinished basement, with little regard for her safety or dignity. She was deprived of freedom and subjected to threats that kept her trapped in a cycle of abuse. This is the reality of forced labor—victims are trapped in a situation where they are coerced, controlled, and exploited.

It’s important for both parents and youth to understand that forced labor doesn’t just involve physical labor in factories or construction sites. It can occur in seemingly “innocent” environments, such as restaurants, farms, and homes. Traffickers are skilled at disguising exploitation, often luring people with promises of normal jobs or opportunities.


Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking

One of the most important things people can do to help prevent human trafficking is to be aware of the signs. It’s easy to assume that trafficking only happens in big cities or other countries, but as we’ve seen in this case, it can happen anywhere—even in rural communities.


Signs of human trafficking may include:

  • Unusual behavior or isolation: Victims of trafficking may appear fearful, anxious, or submissive. They may also show signs of being controlled, such as speaking in a scripted or rehearsed way.
  • Poor living or working conditions: Victims of trafficking are often forced to live in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. They may work long hours with little or no pay.
  • Limited freedom: Victims may be confined to a specific area or constantly monitored. They may not be allowed to leave the house or workplace, or they may have no control over their schedule.
  • Physical signs of abuse: Victims of human trafficking may have visible bruises, cuts, or other signs of abuse, and they may be hesitant to discuss how they were injured.

If you or someone you know notices any of these signs, it’s important to speak up. Reporting potential trafficking situations can help save lives and prevent further exploitation.


If You See Something, Say Something

The most important message for youth and parents is simple: If you see something, say something. Human trafficking often goes unnoticed because people don’t recognize the signs. However, many cases have been uncovered when bystanders, community members, or even employees have reported suspicious behavior.

In the case of the woman in Saskatchewan, law enforcement and victim services are providing support under the Saskatchewan Protection from Human Trafficking Act, but the road to recovery is long. Victims of trafficking often face trauma and emotional scars that last a lifetime. But with the help of a community that is vigilant and aware, these cases can be brought to light, and the perpetrators can be held accountable.

Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant in all communities, saying, “We must remain vigilant to the presence of human trafficking, whether in cities or rural communities like Elrose.” The ongoing investigation and trial highlight the critical role that the public can play in recognizing and reporting trafficking situations.


How to Protect Yourself and Others

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the threat of human trafficking:


  1. Educate yourself and others    : Understanding the signs of trafficking is the first step in preventing it. Make sure your family, friends, and community members know how to recognize the warning signs.

  2. Be cautious with job offers    : If a job seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of offers that promise high pay for little work, especially if you are asked to pay fees or share personal information upfront.

  3. Trust your instincts    : If something feels off or suspicious, don’t ignore it. Report any concerns to local authorities or a trusted organization.

  4. Know the resources available    : If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact a local human trafficking hotline or the police. In Canada, you can contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or reach out to local authorities.


Conclusion: Together, We Can Fight Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. While it’s easy to think of trafficking as a problem that only affects other countries or big cities, the reality is that it can happen anywhere—including rural communities. As the case in Saskatchewan shows, human trafficking can happen in even the most unexpected places.

By staying vigilant, recognizing the signs, and reporting suspicious activity, we can all play a role in stopping this crime. Whether you live in a large city or a small town, if you see something, say something. Together, we can protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.