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23 criminal charges laid in Ottawa human trafficking ring

Leave a Comment / crime, Canada News /

An Ontario Provincial Police logo is shown during a press conference in Barrie, Ont., Wednesday, April 3, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Ontario Provincial Police has arrested four young adults from Ottawa and laid 23 criminal charges related to human trafficking. Police say the ten-month investigation began in October 2022, where OPP was made aware of a young girl being human trafficked across Ontario and Quebec. Evidence revealed that the victim had been sexually exploited since 2019. The victim is now in a place of safety. The investigation was conducted by the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), OPP’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, the Ottawa Police Service, the Kingston Police Service and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service.  Police believe there could be other victims. Devin Ronald Jessy Huff, 26-years-old from Ottawa, has been charged with:  Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, as per Section 117.01(1);  Sexual Assault, as per Section 271;  Assault, as per Section 266;  Procuring, as per Section 286.3 (1), two counts;  Traffic in Persons, as per Section 279.01;  Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons, as per Section 279.02(1);  Material Benefit from Sexual Services, as per Section 286.2(1);  Advertising Sexual Services, as per Section 286.4 C.C;  Possession of a Prohibited device or ammunition, as per Section 92(2); and,  Possession of a Schedule I substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) CDSA. Huff remains in custody following a bail hearing. Hayl Collis, 22-years-old from Vanier, has been charged with:  Traffic in Persons, as per Section 279.01;  Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons, as per Section 279.02(1);  Material Benefit from Sexual Services, as per Section 286.2(1);  Procuring, as per Section 286.3 (1); and,  Advertising Sexual Services, as per Section 286.4. Collis remains in custody following a bail hearing. Alexia Zoe Simard, 26-years-old from Ottawa, has been charged with:  Traffic in Persons, as per Section 279.01;  Procuring, as per Section 286.3(1), and;  Advertising Sexual Services, as per Section 286.4. Simard has been released from custody. She is scheduled to appear on December 12, 2023, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa. Haileigh Brooke Devlin, 23-years-old from Ottawa, has been charged with:    Traffic in Persons, as per Section 279.01;  Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons, as per Section 279.02(1);  Material Benefit from Sexual Services, as per Section 286.2(1), and;  Procuring, as per Section 286.3 (1). Devlin has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Dec. 12. Police are urging anyone with any additional information to contact the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-833-900-1010. Human trafficking resources are available at canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca Police arrested a fourth person wanted in connection with a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Chameleon. Earlier this month, police raided an Innisfil property at Yonge Street and the 7th Line on Nov. 1 and said they seized $30,000 worth of drugs and arrested three individuals after receiving a tip that a female was being held for sexual services. Tyrone Aaron DIAS, 38, of Innisfil (L), Jashyna SINGH, 29, of Brampton (C), and Royden REIS, 38, of Barrie (R), face charges in connection with a human trafficking investigation. (Source: South Simcoe Police Services) Police say three female victims were rescued from the Innisfil residence. A second search warrant was carried out in Newmarket. On Monday, police confirmed 37-year-old Burnel Hopkinson surrendered himself to police without incident. Police had issued an arrest warrant for the capture of Hopkinson following the Innisfil raid. He faces charges of human trafficking, material benefit from the trafficking of persons, material benefit from sexual services, advertising sexual services, and sexual assault, and has been held in police custody pending a bail hearing. The allegations against each of the accused have not been tested in court. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtEWmkwLVgU Accused human trafficker Kevin Kielty has taken a guilty plea in a Barrie courtroom on Tuesday, admitting to illegally employing four foreign nationals from Mexico between 2017 and 2019 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. “Mr. Kielty continues to deny any allegation of mistreatment of those people,” said Carson Hurley, Kielty’s lawyer. Kielty’s plea deal is a victory for the defence, with all criminal charges, including human trafficking, against the former Barrie man and his wife, Patricia Zuniga-Rojas, being stayed. Zuniga-Rojas’ lawyer, Peter Thorning, said she never should have been charged. “And had there been a trial, there’s no doubt she would’ve been acquitted,” he said outside the Barrie courthouse. Kielty, Zuniga-Rojas and her two daughters, Ashley and Patty Camacho Zuniga, initially faced 27 charges each, including the alleged human labour trafficking of 48 Mexican nationals who claimed in 2019 that they were tricked into working for a cleaning company that used them as cheap labour at local resorts and hotels. In 2019, CTV News reported that when Canada Border Services, the OPP and Barrie police announced the bust, some of the workers claimed they were paid $50 a month and lived in terrible conditions in Barrie and Wasaga Beach. Police referred to the workers from Mexico as “modern-day slaves” who were lured to Canada with promises of educational opportunities and good-paying jobs. The four counts Kielty pleaded guilty to on Tuesday carried a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. He was ordered to serve a conditional sentence of 18 months, which includes house arrest following a joint submission by the Crown and the defence. Kielty pleading guilty to the regulatory charges means his wife and her daughters – who faced the prospect of deportation had Zuniga-Rojas been convicted- can remain in Canada. Charges against Zuniga-Rojas’ daughters were dropped before the trial dates were set. The court heard Kielty ran RTL Services, a cleaning company with an office in Barrie, out of which police said illegal workers were supplied to clean local hotels and resorts in Collingwood and the Blue Mountains. The defence told the court Kielty was very remorseful for his actions. “It’s

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Major Canadian grocer says expanded price freezes will happen amid new plans to stabilize food prices

Leave a Comment / canada economy 2020, Canada News /

Shoppers at a west-end Toronto Sobeys grocery store, Sunday, June 26, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy) Major Canadian grocer Empire, the parent company of Sobeys, confirmed it will expand price freezes on several products between November 2023 and January 2024. A month ago, major grocers in Canada did not confirm whether they were committed to special promotions to stabilize grocery prices despite promises by the federal government to alleviate inflation and the rising cost of living for Canadians. Now, Empire confirmed it will be expanding its price-freezing practice to 20,000 of its packaged products in the coming months, the company said in an emailed statement to CTV News Toronto Tuesday. “This is a meaningful step-up from prior years and has resulted in cancelling price increases on approximately 1,700 additional products initially planned to occur during this timeframe,” a spokesperson for Empire said. Empire adds it typically implements price freezes on 90 per cent of all packaged products from November to January annually, with exceptions in certain scenarios. Price increase cancellations will remain in place regardless of any internal or external conditions that might cause prices to go up, according to the company. The federal government gave an ultimatum to major grocers in September, saying they should present plans to stabilize grocery prices by Thanksgiving or face potential tax measures as a consequence. The move came in response to concerns that Canadian families were struggling to put food on the table as grocery prices continued to climb rapidly. Grocery prices in August were 6.9 per cent higher than they were a year ago, according to StatCan. “We also have significant and meaningful plans in development to continue to help stabilize food prices past February” the company said. Empire’s announcement comes after Statistics Canada reported a 3.1 per cent slowdown in the annual inflation rate in October, down from 3.8 per cent in September. Statistics Canada said the largest contributors to inflation continued to be mortgage interest costs, food purchased from stores and rent. While grocery prices rose faster than overall inflation, Statistics Canada said the pace continued to slow. Grocery prices were up 5.4 per cent year-over-year in October compared with 5.8 per cent higher in September. Produce is shown at a west-end Toronto Sobeys grocery store, Sunday, June 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy OTTAWA – A House of Commons committee is asking the heads of Canada’s major grocery chains to appear before MPs and explain their plans to stabilize food prices. The agriculture committee passed an NDP motion last Thursday to invite the grocery executives, or summon them if necessary, to testify about the measures their companies are taking to address food inflation. Earlier this fall, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced the major Canadian grocery companies — Loblaw, Metro, Empire, Walmart and Costco — had presented to the government their plans to tackle rising prices, which he says included discounts, price freezes and price-matching campaigns. Champagne offered few details about these promotions at the time, saying he wanted the grocers to compete with one another. Most grocers have also not confirmed the details of their plans. The motion at the parliamentary committee is asking the grocers to submit “a comprehensive report on their strategies and initiatives taken to date and on further actions aimed at the stabilization of grocery prices in Canada.” The deadline for the submissions is Nov. 2. It is also inviting Champagne and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to appear before committee to answer questions. The Canadian Press reached out to the grocers on Tuesday for comment on the parliamentary committee’s motion. Sarah Dawson, aspokeswoman for Sobeys, said the company has not yet received an invitation or request from the committee but that it has “every intention of participating if asked.” She said Sobeys has shared its plans with Champagne, noting they “include some of the novel measures” mentioned by the minister. “Our plans are competitively sensitive and we do not plan to discuss them publicly before they are launched in our stores,” she added. Metro declined to comment, while the others did not immediately respond. The Canadian Press had asked the grocers earlier this month for more details on their pledges to the federal government. Walmart was the only company to weigh in, with a spokeswoman saying the company promised to continue offering “everyday low prices,” which refers to its strategy of offering low prices on a regular basis, rather than on promotion only. In an interview with The Canadian Press on Oct. 16, Champagne said he wishes the grocers were “more forthcoming” about their plans. The federal government is taking other steps aimed at addressing high grocery prices. On Tuesday, Champagne announced more funding for non-profit consumer advocacy organizations to help fund projects that focus on retail practices that hurt consumers, and on the development of tools that help consumers make informed decisions and save costs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision to pressure grocers to tackle rising prices in September, one of several affordability measures from the Liberals after a summer of polling showing growing support for the Conservatives. The Conservatives have been hammering the Liberals over the cost of groceries, blaming them on Liberal spending, while the NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has said the Liberal government’s “plan to ask CEOs nicely to reduce prices is ridiculous.” Grocery prices have risen in Canada at a faster rate than overall inflation, although they have also risen dramatically around the world, with many countries seeing food prices rise at an even faster rate. OTTAWA – Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says he wishes Canadian grocers would be more forthcoming with the public about their plans to stabilize prices. Earlier this month, Champagne announced that major Canadian grocers — Loblaw, Metro, Empire, Walmart and Costco — submitted initial plans to the federal government for how they will stabilize prices in the face of high inflation. The Liberal government summoned the heads of the companies to meet in Ottawa last month, demanding they present such a plan by Thanksgiving or face

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“Canadian Cancer Society’s National Strategy Is Revolutionizing Cancer Data Collection”

Leave a Comment / technology, Canada News /

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has released a new strategy for collecting data on cancer in Canada, one that they hope will address serious gaps. It’s the first national health strategy to focus on cancer-specific challenges, according to a press release from CCS, who worked with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to create the strategy. More data are being generated now than ever before—and this holds the potential to transform the way we deliver care throughout the entire Canadian health system, including cancer care. Together with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) we worked with partners throughout the Canadian health and data systems to create the cancer data strategy that will guide efforts to enhance the collection, integration, and use of cancer data. Canada needs a focused plan to ensure we have high-quality cancer data to support better cancer care decisions. With the goal of improving cancer prevention, access to care and outcomes and making cancer care in Canada better and more equitable, the cancer data strategy outlines a framework to guide efforts to enhance the collection, integration and use of cancer data. Data provides critical information that helps focus cancer research, shape the delivery of cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and services, and inform policies that affect the health of people in Canada. Given the tremendous impact data has on cancer care experiences and outcomes for people facing the disease, we embedded patient and caregiver perspectives throughout the strategy. – Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President of Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS Building on the strong foundations laid by the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy (pCHDS), the Partnership and CCS worked with various partners, including provincial and territorial cancer agencies and programs, healthcare organizations, First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, researchers, policymakers and people with lived cancer experience to create a cancer-specific data strategy that includes: a framework to guide the mission, vision, values and success factors for improvements in cancer data three priorities for action and investment including: improving the efficiency, timeliness and quality of data capture and access enhancing linkages to current data filling gaps in current data collection and availability a section on the importance of First Nations, Inuit and Métis data sovereignty, with examples of First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led efforts to improve data and data governance The cancer data strategy highlights First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led efforts to advance data and data governance, including the First Nations Data Governance Strategy which provides critical guidance to help ensure people have access to the right data to effectively plan, organize and deliver health care across Canada. Work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and governments is in progress to ensure priorities can inform and advance First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-led, self-determined efforts to improve data and data systems. A second phase of engagement is underway where enhanced engagements with both First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and other health and data partners will take place to allow us to increase awareness of the importance of data sovereignty and First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led work to advance data and data governance as well as facilitate knowledge sharing by sharing case studies highlighting partner work. This information will be shared in a fall update. Fulfilling the goals identified in the cancer data strategy will be a team effort. We call on health administrators, researchers and academic institutions, as well as federal, provincial and territorial policymakers to engage with the strategy and its priorities – to help build a more cohesive cancer data ecosystem, one that benefits all people in Canada and is positioned to respond to future challenges. – Dr. Craig Earle, CEO of the Partnership The goal is to enhance the collection of data on cancer in Canada in order to better inform policies around health care for cancer patients across the country. “Data provides critical information that helps focus cancer research, shape the delivery of cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and services, and inform policies that affect the health of people in Canada,” Dr. Stuart Edmonds, executive vice president of mission, research and advocacy at CCS, said in the release. “Given the tremendous impact data has on cancer care experiences and outcomes for people facing the disease, we embedded patient and caregiver perspectives throughout the strategy.” The leading cause of death in Canada is cancer. According to the report, more than 230,000 people were estimated to have been diagnosed with cancer in 2022, with 85,000 estimated to have died of it. Without proper data collection, we won’t be able to understand the scope of the issue — or the potential strategies that could help us combat cancer in Canada, according to the report. Authors say this new cancer data collection strategy is designed to work in concert with the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy (pCHDS), which was compiled by the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2020 in response to some of the issues in health-care data collection revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, cancer data is collected and stored in pockets across the country — by hospitals, cancer centres, clinics and labs, provincial/territorial governments and public health programs — and not all of it is equally accessible. Some data is standardized and available to various users, such as through provincial cancer registries and the Canadian Cancer Registry, which is a population based registry that collects data on each new primary cancer case diagnosed in Canada since 1992. But other datasets sit at the local level with little way for health-care professionals from other regions to access it or link it to their own data to gain a better picture of the disease across the country. “Even data that is organized and made available centrally (through the cancer registries, for example) is not always as timely, complete and comprehensive as it could be,” authors wrote. “These gaps have real consequences. When COVID-19 hit, difficulties in accessing high-quality, disaggregated health data limited the effectiveness of pandemic response across the country, as well as healthcare delivery beyond the pandemic-specific response.” Existing databases such

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“Former NHL player Billy MacMillan will be remembered as a humble, well-respected friend”

Leave a Comment / Canada News, Global News /

Billy MacMillan, centre, is surrounded by his friends Jamie MacLeod, Fred MacDonald, Steve Gallant, George Halliwell and Ray Murphy. The group would meet every Friday at The Alley in Charlottetown. (Jamie MacLeod) P.E.I.’s Billy MacMillan played alongside some of the greatest hockey players in the world during his 446 games in the NHL, but you’d have to pry the stories out of him. In the world of professional sports, certain individuals leave an indelible mark not only for their athletic prowess but also for their character and the impact they have on others. One such individual was Billy MacMillan, a former NHL player who was known not only for his impressive skills on the ice but also for his humility and genuine nature as a friend. Throughout his career and beyond, Billy MacMillan left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory continues to be celebrated as that of a humble, well-respected friend. Born and raised in a small town, Billy MacMillan’s love for hockey blossomed at a young age. He displayed exceptional talent and dedication, which caught the attention of scouts and ultimately led him to be drafted into the NHL. However, despite his success and fame, Billy MacMillan remained grounded and never lost sight of the values instilled in him by his family and community. On the ice, Billy MacMillan’s skills were unparalleled. His ability to read the game, make precise passes, and score pivotal goals made him a formidable force on the team. But what truly set him apart was his sportsmanship and respect for the game. He never sought the spotlight or personal glory; instead, he focused on contributing to the success of his team and uplifting those around him. His teammates and opponents alike admired his humility and approachable nature, making him a beloved figure in the hockey community. Beyond the realm of sports, Billy MacMillan’s genuine character shone brightly. He was known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for his friends. Whether it was offering a lending ear during tough times or providing guidance and mentorship to aspiring players, Billy MacMillan exemplified what it meant to be a true friend. He went above and beyond to make others feel valued and supported, leaving a lasting impact on the lives he touched. As the years went by, Billy MacMillan’s contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing career. He dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes, sharing his knowledge and experiences to help them navigate the challenges of professional hockey and life beyond the rink. His guidance and unwavering support became the cornerstone of many successful careers, earning him the respect and admiration of both players and coaches. Even after retiring from professional hockey, Billy MacMillan continued to be an influential figure in the community. He used his platform to raise awareness and support charitable causes, always seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it was organizing fundraisers, visiting children’s hospitals, or advocating for social causes, Billy MacMillan’s impact extended far beyond the boundaries of the sport he loved. The news of Billy MacMillan’s passing on July 15, 2023, left the hockey community and his friends devastated. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow players, and coaches, all of whom acknowledged his incredible legacy as a humble and well-respected friend. The outpouring of love and admiration served as a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives. In reflecting on Billy MacMillan’s life, it is evident that his athletic achievements are only a fraction of the legacy he leaves behind. It is his genuine character, humility, and unwavering support as a friend that truly define him. Billy MacMillan will forever be remembered as an extraordinary individual who embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and friendship. He won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders in 1980, but he’d never brag about it. When he worked at the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission after his retirement, he was so well respected they named an employee award after him, but he never wanted to take the credit. MacMillan, who is being remembered as a humble man who was deeply respected by those who knew him, died overnight Friday at the age of 80.  “Strong, strong character man,” said Jamie MacLeod, who grew up idolizing MacMillan as a hockey player and later became colleagues with him at the liquor commission. He was one a group of friends that would meet Fridays at The Alley in Charlottetown. “Strong, strong character man,” said Jamie MacLeod, who grew up idolizing MacMillan as a hockey player and later became colleagues with him at the liquor commission. He was one a group of friends that would meet Fridays at The Alley in Charlottetown. So it was a thrill for MacLeod, who was 11 years younger, to become friends with MacMillan when they began working together at the liquor commission in 2005. “The number of employees that work for Billy, that because of his mentorship, that were eventually elevated to more senior positions, including store managers themselves, I think it’s a tribute to the man.” Other tributes having been pouring in on social media from players and coaches who knew MacMillan as a player with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Flames and New York Islanders — as well as Canada’s national team — and as a coach with the Islanders, Colorado Rockies and New Jersey Devils. But to MacLeod and his buddies at The Alley, he was simply a good friend. “We would meet on Fridays for a couple hours, solve the problems of the world, pump Billy for stories because he was so humble you had to pump stuff,” MacLeod said. “And through that friendship, it just developed and we became a very tight, tight, tight group.” Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized. Billy MacMillan’s journey as a former NHLer reminds us all of the power of humility, respect, and genuine friendship. His legacy serves as

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