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Testimony in human trafficking trial focuses on foreign worker program and alleged victim’s living situation
Testimony in an ongoing human trafficking trial in Rosetown has centred on the use of Canada’s temporary foreign worker program and the experiences of a woman at the heart of the case. Two men, identified in court as Haider and Masum, are charged with human trafficking, while Masum also faces an additional charge of sexual assault. Much of the testimony last week focused on the hiring process for temporary foreign workers, work permits and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) at a restaurant in rural Saskatchewan between 2017 and 2023. On the stand, Haider said the complainant had obtained a valid work permit but delayed starting her job. He told the court the delay was due to her personal choices and that, while he was responsible for multiple restaurants, he did not closely track her arrival. He added that the role was not critical to operations and he did not consider himself responsible for managing the employee’s personal affairs. Court also heard about logistical arrangements for the woman’s travel and housing, and whether Haider or his business partners were responsible for providing accommodations. He testified that he helped facilitate housing “out of goodwill.” The complainant was described as financially vulnerable when she arrived in Canada. Witnesses said she had limited resources, was dependent on others for housing and transportation, and became distressed when she was shown a residence where she was expected to stay. Haider’s wife, identified in court by her nickname “Luna,” also testified. She told the court she first met the complaintant when the woman visited her home for supper, and that they later kept in contact by text message. Luna recalled helping drive the complainant to meet Masum, along with her luggage, and later raising the alarm when the complainant failed to show up for work and her belongings were discovered missing. RCMP were then contacted. During cross-examination, the Crown questioned Luna about Bangladeshi cultural views on gender roles and sexual assault, asking how women in her culture respond to such allegations. Luna testified that women who are assaulted “raise their voices” and are supported by their families. The court has also heard that in May 2023, a complaint was made to Jim Reiter's office The trial is scheduled to continue in November and possibly stretching into 2026.