Hospitality Saskatchewan marked the conclusion of its 2nd Annual Human Trafficking Summit last week, as discussions around the fight against human trafficking took on fresh urgency in light of an ongoing, high-profile trafficking case in West Central Saskatchewan. Held from October 21 to 23 at Saskatoon’s Travelodge Hotel, the event gathered leaders from hospitality, law enforcement, non-profits, and government agencies to explore solutions for preventing and addressing human trafficking across Saskatchewan communities.
With over 70 participants, the summit provided a collaborative forum focused on prevention, education, and victim support strategies, as well as the hospitality industry’s unique role in identifying and preventing trafficking. Keynote speakers included national and international experts on human trafficking, as well as survivors who shared their stories, underscoring the importance of survivor-led advocacy in shaping future policies.
"Human trafficking remains a critical issue, and we are proud to lead efforts within our sector to confront it," said Jim Bence, President and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan. "The hospitality industry holds a distinct responsibility in preventing and recognizing trafficking instances, and this summit has reinforced our commitment to safer communities."
Summit Highlights
- Keynote Addresses from law enforcement, survivors, and advocacy groups offered insights on the scope of trafficking across urban and rural areas.
- Interactive Workshops engaged participants in recognizing trafficking indicators and addressing specific challenges within their roles.
- Cross-sector partnerships strengthened alliances among industries and law enforcement to develop unified strategies in combating human trafficking.
- Survivor Advocacy allowed survivors to voice their experiences, which informed discussions on policy and prevention measures.
This year’s summit also unfolded as a human trafficking case involving two men, Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider, continues in Saskatchewan’s Rosetown Provincial Court. The accused, facing charges of human trafficking and additional charges of sexual assault, allegedly exploited a woman for forced labour in small-town Saskatchewan, including communities like Elrose. The case has become a focal point in the province, exposing the harsh realities of human trafficking in rural areas.
In court, disturbing details emerged of the woman’s experience, describing how she was coerced to work in rural restaurants under oppressive conditions, facing threats to her visa status if she resisted. The case has prompted Saskatchewan RCMP’s Superintendent Glenn Church to highlight that human trafficking is not solely an urban issue but affects communities of all sizes across the province. "This investigation shows that trafficking is present in big and small towns," he noted.
As the trial progressed, Minister of Public Safety Christine Tell emphasized the importance of vigilance. "Human trafficking can happen anywhere, and we are committed to ensuring justice for victims,” she said.
The 3rd Annual Human Trafficking Summit is already in planning, with Hospitality Saskatchewan aiming for a broader impact as the province intensifies its fight against human trafficking. Meanwhile, the current case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical work yet to be done to protect vulnerable individuals throughout Saskatchewan.