By Liam Verster

Nova Scotia man arrested for human trafficking in Alberta

Apr 13, 2021 | 8:32 AM

Human trafficking units from Alberta and Nova Scotia have collaborated on an investigation where a Nova Scotia woman was allegedly forced into the sex trade.

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team’s (ALERT) Human Trafficking and Exploitation unit partnered with Nova Scotia’s Provincial Human Trafficking unit (HTU) to investigate the allegation that the victim was being procured for sex by a man who was known to her. The alleged offences took place in the Edmonton Area in November and December of 2019.

The investigation began in June 2020, after the victim contacted the Nova Scotia RCMP and the HTU.

This eventually led to the arrest of William Meuse on April 6, 2021, who was taken into custody at his home in the Bear River community of Digby County, Nova Scotia. The 31-year-old man was remanded in custody, and is being transported to Edmonton to appear in an Alberta court at a later date.

Meuse face charges of:

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• Human Trafficking
• Material Benefit from Trafficking
• Procuring
• Advertising Sexual Services
• Distribution of Intimate Images

“This investigation highlights inter-agency cooperation across Canada and the ability of investigators to complete these types of investigations no matter where the crime occurs,” says Sgt. Derrick Blanche of the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit. “Our investigators are dedicated to working with survivors and supporting them throughout the investigative process.”

“This is such a dehumanizing offence and it took tremendous courage for the victim to come forward,” added said Acting Staff Sergeant Chris Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking. “We owe it to her to pursue justice, and as this case demonstrates, we are prepared to go to great lengths to do so.”

The victim of these offences has been offered support and specialized care.

Other survivors of sex trafficking in Alberta can access supports and help by calling 211.

ALERT says anyone suspecting they or someone they know is being trafficked, or has information related to this or any other human trafficking case, should contact them, the local police, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or the P3 Tips website or mobile app.