A months-long probe into human trafficking in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Edenwold has led to the arrest of two men. In November 2025, White Butte RCMP received a report of potential human trafficking at a local trucking business. An investigation was launched in collaboration with the service’s Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit. Officers determined the employee was required to pay “a large sum of money” to secure a job with the company and obtain permanent residency status. The business owners would allegedly withhold wages, force employees to drive with unsafe loads and work long hours, without compensation. As a result of the investigation a 36-year-old man from the RM of Edenwold and a 50-year-old man from Regina have been charged with one count each of human trafficking, receiving a benefit of human trafficking and withholding or destroying documents. Both men made their first appearance on June 11. They’re scheduled to return July 2. “Labour trafficking, which is a form of human trafficking, is a hidden crime that exploits vulnerable individuals for financial gain,” White Butte RCMP Const. Sarah Feaver said in the news release. “Every worker in Canada has the right to work in safe conditions, free from coercion, intimidation, and exploitation.” RCMP believe there are more victims. Anyone who’s been subjected to this type of crime is asked to contact White Butte RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. “This investigation reflects our commitment to identifying victims, holding offenders accountable, and protecting the dignity and rights of those affected,” RCMP added. “For anyone who may feel they’re a victim of human trafficking and are unsure where to turn – please contact the police. We are here to help you.” Sask. Trucking Association reacts The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) expressed concern about the incident Tuesday afternoon. “Labour trafficking is a serious crime that exploits vulnerable individuals and has no place in Saskatchewan’s trucking industry,” executive director Susan Ewart said in a news release. “These allegations reflect broader challenges we have seen across Canada, where bad actors exploit immigration pathways and take advantage of workers through coercion, withheld wages, and unsafe working conditions.” The STA said this incident highlights the importance of its recently launched anti-human trafficking and fraud campaign in conjunction with the province. The organization is calling for better protections for vulnerable workers, enhanced vetting of employers accessing the Temporary Foreign Workers and Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Programs, as well as increased trucking compliance audits and enforcement. “The trucking industry travels every highway and into every community,” Ewart said. “Our members are uniquely positioned to help identify suspicious activity and be part of the solution. “Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight.” Ewart added community awareness and reporting are critical to stopping exploitation.
