ROSETOWN, Sask. — Testimony continued this week in a human trafficking trial being heard at Rosetown Provincial Court, where two Saskatchewan men face multiple charges in connection with an alleged exploitation case.
Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider, both arrested in June 2023, are jointly charged with human trafficking. Masum faces an additional charge of sexual assault. A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of the complainant.
On Friday, the court heard that a key witness, former Kelvington-Wadena MLA Hugh Nerlien, is expected to testify earlier than originally scheduled due to upcoming international travel. Nerlien, who concluded his term with the Saskatchewan Party in 2024, is set to leave the country at the end of May. He is now scheduled to take the stand on Tuesday, May 20. It remains unclear at this time what his connection is to the case.
The court adjourned early on Friday, with cross-examination of the complainant postponed until Wednesday, May 21.
Earlier in the week, the complainant testified—via a Bengali translator—that she was in regular contact with Cypress Hills–Grasslands MLA Doug Steele while seeking help. She told the court that while in Tisdale, Steele referred her to a settlement services worker named Judy. She testified that Steele told her it was difficult to assist due to the distance involved.
She also alleged that upon her arrival in Elrose, she again contacted Steele for help travelling to Saskatoon. She claimed he offered to come pick her up, but ultimately did not.
The woman further testified that after being promised $1,000 a month before receiving a Canadian work permit, she was later required to surrender her debit card and PIN to her employer, who she said would withdraw most of her earnings. She alleged she worked 12-hour shifts, five days a week, for minimal compensation and was housed in an unfinished, cold basement in Elrose.
The trial is expected to continue from May 20 to 23 and resume again in early June. Additional court dates have been scheduled through to November 2025. A decision is still pending on a Charter application filed earlier.