Six people facing 51 charges in human trafficking investigations in Kingston, Barrie, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say six people are facing a combined 51 charges following joint investigations into human trafficking.
The investigations in Kingston and Barrie were part of the OPP’s new "Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy" or IJFS, police said in a news released Wednesday.
Kingston police launched their investigation Jan. 5, 2021 into the alleged sexual assault and trafficking of a female victim across Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton between December 2019 and January 2020. As a result of this investigation, four suspects were arrested and charged with 43 criminal offences in October.
Barrie police launched their own investigation into a man suspected of trafficking a woman in Barrie in January 2021. The investigation revealed that women were being trafficked out of hotels in the city by two people.
One suspect in this investigation was arrested in May and the other in November. Between them, they face eight criminal charges.
"These two investigations show that the new Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence led Joint Forces Strategy is working in identifying, investigating and disrupting multi-jurisdictional human trafficking organizations operating in the province," said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. "The increasing volume and the complexity of human trafficking cases requires additional support and partnerships at all levels in the communities we serve to reduce victimization and hold traffickers accountable for their crime."
Two men from Montreal, one from L'Assomption, Que. and one from Anjou, Que., between the ages of 21 and 24, where charged in the Kingston investigation, called Project Wrigg. All four suspects remain in custody.
In the Barrie investigation, known as Project Harwich, police arrested a 37-year-old man from Barrie and a 32-year-old man from Levis, Que. The 37-year-old has been released on a promise to appear in court, while the 32-year-old remains in custody.
OPP say anyone with information on these investigations is asked to contact the OPP, Kingston Police or Barrie police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows
Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the 'complicity' of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians.
Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units
Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles — a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary — at a security forum underway in Halifax today.
Transit supervisor assaulted with 'torch' made of hairspray can and lighter: police
A Winnipeg man has been charged after a transit supervisor was assaulted with a makeshift torch in the city’s downtown area Friday morning.
Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans from trunk of car
Ontario Provincial Police stopped an Ottawa man for dangerously hauling thousands of empty cans from the back of his car.
NEW
NEW Thinking about taking an 'adult gap year'? Here's what experts say you should know
Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts.
'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs
A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off.
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?
The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.
Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
'We need answers': Protest held at RCMP detachment for missing N.B. man
A crowd of over 20 people stood in the pouring rain Saturday in front of the RCMP detachment in Hampton, N.B., to bring awareness to a missing person’s case.
-
Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend
Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid the ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period of 2023.
-
17-year-old dies following single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek: N.B. RCMP
A 17-year-old boy from Petitcodiac, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek, N.B.
Toronto
-
'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs
A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off.
-
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
-
Swifties live-streaming Eras Tour concerts say they're part of a 'community'
Live streams of Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour concerts in Toronto give devoted fans a window into the spectacle of outfits, surprise songs and elaborate stages from one of the biggest cultural events in recent memory.
Montreal
-
Lucien-L'Allier train station to reopen Dec. 21 after renovations
Exo announced that Lucien-L'Allier train station will reopen on Dec. 21, with three commuter train lines – Vaudreuil/Hudson, Saint-Jérôme and Candiac – resuming service to the station.
-
Residents in Verdun evacuated after suspected arson
Montreal police (SPVM) said a dépanneur in Verdun was targeted in a suspected arson attack early Saturday morning.
-
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining
Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins.
-
Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont.
An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved.
-
Whole Foods carrots pulled in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday.
Windsor
-
Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge
Windsor fire responded to a transport truck fire on Friday afternoon on the Ambassador Bridge.
-
Highway 401 off ramp reopens
The OPP have confirmed an off ramp off Highway 401 has reopened.
-
4 Windsor, Chatham-Kent councillors oppose use of notwithstanding clause on encampments
Four councillors from Windsor and Chatham-Kent are among 72 municipal leaders opposing a letter from 15 Ontario mayors that supports Premier Doug Ford's push to use the notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments.
London
-
Nuclear operator helps fund affordable housing project in Goderich
The operators of the Bruce Nuclear Plant near Kincardine just donated $1 million towards Huron County’s largest affordable housing project in years.
-
video
video Thousands endure heavy rain to take in Hyde Park Santa Claus parade
Nearly 15,000 people lined Gainsborough Road in the pouring rain to take in the 16th Hyde Park Santa Claus parade and support a great cause.
-
Wingham area raises $3.6 million for new CT scanner
Wingham will be getting its first ever CT Scanner thanks to a multimillion dollar fundraising campaign that just came to a close.
Kitchener
-
Advocates push for anti-renoviction bylaws as Waterloo Region reports affordable housing progress
On National Housing Day, housing advocacy group ACORN continued to push for anti-renoviction bylaws.
-
Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT
Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday.
-
How University of Waterloo researchers could help charge your devices by moving your body
Imagine being able to charge your devices through your body’s movements.
Barrie
-
New Orillia Christmas tree shines bright
After Orillia’s underwhelming Christmas tree-lighting ceremony last year became a viral sensation, the City lit a new, bigger, brighter and healthier tree Friday evening.
-
Police search for hit-and-run suspect
Police in Owen Sound are appealing to the public in their search for a driver who fled the scene of crash Friday evening.
-
Highway 400 reopens in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover
Highway 400 reopened late Friday night in Georgian Bay Township after emergency crews tended to a fatal tanker truck rollover Friday morning.
Winnipeg
-
Snowfall warning in effect for southwestern Manitoba
Some areas could expect snowfall totals of 15 to 25 centimetres.
-
Have you seen George? RCMP search for missing senior
Spruce Plains RCMP are asking the public to help find 81-year-old George Haslen who has been missing since Friday afternoon.
-
The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping
The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet.
Calgary
-
Snowfall warning for Calgary and southern Alberta expected to continue throughout Saturday
A snowfall warning for Calgary remained in effect early Saturday morning and looks poised to be hanging around all weekend.
-
Calgary activates transit detours amid snowfall warning
The City of Calgary's transit snow detours will be activated on Friday night, with the city expected to receive dozens of centimetres of snow.
-
‘Pinch me I’m dreaming:’ Calgary drummer pulled from crowd to play with the Arkells
For young musicians, to be up on stage in front of thousands of people, would be a dream come true. That’s exactly what happened to a Calgary girl, after being invited to play with Canadian rock icons The Arkells.
Edmonton
-
From Instagram to IRL: Where to find this year's trendy treats in Edmonton
From globally-inspired pastries to vegan fast food and Connor McDavid-themed culinary delights, Edmonton has a lot to offer anyone looking to try something trendy.
-
Man armed with knife arrested in west Edmonton: EPS
A man armed with a knife was arrested in west Edmonton Friday afternoon, police said.
-
Afraid of losing the U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts
Mexico has been taking a bashing lately for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America, and officials here are afraid a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could try to leave their country out of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Regina
-
City of Regina releases snowfall response plan ahead of next blast of wintery weather
Many parts of Saskatchewan will be hit with another round of wintery weather on Saturday, and Regina is no exception, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected to accumulate.
-
Here's a look inside the Globe Theatre before it reopens
The format is the same, but the venue looks very different from the last time audiences were inside Regina's Globe Theatre after extensive renovations.
-
B.C. man dies in collision on Sask. highway
A man from British Columbia has died in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6 near Milestone, Sask.
Saskatoon
-
'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption
Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season.
-
Watermain break closes Saskatoon road
The City of Saskatoon is advising motorists of road closures due to a watermain break that caused flooding on Millar Avenue near Circle Drive.
-
Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet?
Saskatoon's new downtown shelter must undergo renovations before it can open, according to the operator of the site.
Vancouver
-
Woman killed in Vancouver's Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood, suspect in custody
A woman is dead and a 46-year-old suspect is in custody after an incident in Vancouver's Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood overnight.
-
Surrey crash sends 2 to hospital
Two people were taken to hospital after a serious crash in Surrey Friday night.
-
Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again
There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned.
Vancouver Island
-
Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again
There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned.
-
Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend
Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid the ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period of 2023.
-
Victoria police face being understaffed amid proposed budget cuts
Layoffs could be imminent for the Victoria Police Department if it adheres to the requests of the City of Victoria, and cuts over $2 million from its budget.
Kelowna
-
Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops
Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops.
-
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior
British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
-
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
