Based on coverage from Global News, CP24, and The Peterborough Examiner.
A 65-year-old man from southern Ontario has been charged after Nova Scotia RCMP say a foreign worker was allegedly exploited for labour at a business in Church Point, in Digby County. Police allege the worker was coerced into long hours, threatened, and paid just $300 over about a year.
The case surfaced after Digby RCMP received a report in July 2025 about a foreign national in Canada on temporary status who was “being exploited for labour,” according to an RCMP news release. The RCMP’s provincial human trafficking unit took over the investigation.
Nova Scotia RCMP allege labour exploitation
RCMP say investigators determined the victim worked “excessive hours” over the course of a year and was pressured into doing additional duties. Police also allege threats were used to control the worker.
The RCMP’s release points to vulnerabilities many temporary foreign workers face, including isolation, unfamiliarity with Canadian labour standards, and worries about job or immigration status. RCMP also say traffickers may lie about pay and, in some situations, withhold passports or restrict movement.
Charges laid against Ontario man
Police identify the accused as Trevor Anthony Annon, 65. RCMP say he was arrested and charged with trafficking in persons, receiving a financial or material benefit, false pretense, and extortion.
The Canadian Press version of the story describes one of the allegations as “knowingly making false statements about the payment of money,” while the RCMP release lists “false pretense.” Both accounts describe the same core claim: that the accused misrepresented payment and benefited financially while the worker was allegedly exploited.
RCMP also say Annon faces a separate charge of fraud under $5,000 connected to another victim.
Court appearance and custody details
According to the RCMP release cited in the reports, Annon was remanded into custody and appeared in Digby provincial court on Thursday. Police have not released further details about the business involved or the victim, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
YMCA support and community partnerships in Nova Scotia
RCMP credit the YMCA’s Migrant Worker Awareness Partnership Project with helping the investigation and supporting the victim.
Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane of the RCMP’s provincial human trafficking unit said partnerships with community groups are “critical” to human trafficking investigations, adding the YMCA was “particularly valuable” in this case.
What RCMP say to watch for
Ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Feb. 22, Nova Scotia RCMP described labour trafficking as “emerging” and “under-reported” in the province. MacFarlane pointed to Nova Scotia’s mix of industries and seasonal work as conditions that can leave people more vulnerable.
RCMP say possible signs of labour trafficking can include workers who seem fearful, workers being transported to and from job sites in groups with little freedom of movement, and people living in overcrowded housing controlled by an employer.
Anyone who believes they are experiencing forced labour, or is worried about someone else, can contact local police or call or text the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902-449-2425. RCMP also stress people can reach out even if they are unsure trafficking is happening, and they can speak to police without having to immediately commit to a full court process.
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