TREY Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth

04/18/2026

This is the reality of human trafficking in our communities.

This investigation spans multiple provinces and impacted victims here in Nova Scotia.
We recognize the strength it takes to come forward. That courage matters.

At TREY, we see every day that trafficking is happening here. Survivors need safety, support, and long-term, trauma-informed care.

Awareness is how we prevent it.

Learn the signs. Have the conversations. Be part of the solution.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or someone you know needs support, safety planning to exit, or support after exiting, you are not alone. Call 902-305-4080.

If your organization, school, workplace, or church wants to learn how to recognize the signs and respond, reach out to amber@treynovascotia.com to schedule a presentation.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) has charged two people with 19 offences related to human trafficking and associated financial crimes. The investigation is ongoing.

In 2023, HTU began a s*x trafficking investigation related to multiple victims in Nova Scotia. Over the course of the investigation, officers identified connections to New Brunswick and Ontario.

“Investigators’ main priority in any human trafficking investigation is the safety of the victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane, HTU. “As officers began working with the victims, they connected them with appropriate resources in addition to putting together evidence to support criminal charges.”

As the investigation progressed, financial analysts with the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG) identified over half-a-million dollars in suspected proceeds of crime funneled through casino activities across three provinces.

On April 10, during a traffic stop on Highway 102 near Milford, officers from the HTU, the Nova Scotia Organized Crime section, and East Hants District RCMP safely arrested two people associated to this investigation. The investigation was also supported by the Halifax Regional Police.

Fedul Cain, 49, of Porters Lake, is charged with 13 offences related to human trafficking and financial crimes. Charges include Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Withholding or Destroying Documents, and Laundering Proceeds of Crime.

He had a first court appearance at Dartmouth Provincial Court on April 13 and remains in custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for April 20.

Marissa Church, a 43-year-old woman from Chester Basin, was also arrested for offences related to human trafficking and proceeds of crime. She was released by police on conditions pending future court appearances.

“Reducing the harm caused by human trafficking remains a priority for police and communities across Nova Scotia,” says Sgt. MacFarlane. “Addressing this issue requires a united effort, and we recognize the strength and courage of the victims who came forward to support this investigation. Their cooperation helped dismantle a s*x trafficking network and protect others from being victimized.”

This investigation is ongoing.

More information about human trafficking, including how to recognize the signs, is available here: https://rcmp.ca/en/nova-scotia/human-trafficking-nova-scotia

The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit is comprised of members of the Nova Scotia RCMP and the Halifax Regional Police, and is supported by police officers from across the province. Officers with specialized training in human trafficking and s*xual violence can be contacted through the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by a police officer): 902-449-2425.

Anonymous calls can also be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or by using the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2023-1132829

04/11/2026

The nature of trafficking is evolving. Traffickers are using social media and online platforms to target victims, offering false promises of a better life, quick solutions to their struggles, or even posing as a romantic partner to gain trust.

04/09/2026

Thank you Jasmine for sharing with us in Truro. You were truly an inspiration and such an encouragement to the work we share across this country.

04/07/2026

Nova Scotia has consistently recorded some of the highest per-capita rates of police-reported human trafficking in the country. Many women and girls are recruited through manipulation, coercion, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities within their own communities.

04/02/2026

Allison's story reminds us that healing is possible and that with the right support, survivors can reclaim their futures with strength.

03/31/2026

We’re pleased to share that our residential program has reopened, and we’re already welcoming women seeking help and a safe refuge.

TREY exists because a community of committed people has come together, united by the belief that every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild her life.

03/21/2026

We are honored that Jasmine DeFina of SafeHope Home will be leading this workshop. Jasmine is a survivor leader, advocate and expert dedicated to educating communities about s*x trafficking and commercial s*xual exploitation.

03/20/2026

Reserve your seat today at treynovascotia.org/plates-for-a-purpose. Registration closes Wednesday, March 25.

Join us for an eye-opening afternoon exploring this critical issue affecting our province. Hear real survivor stories, better understand the realities of trafficking, and see how our community is working together to create change.

We’re also deeply grateful to our corporate partners who are contributing to this change: Andrew Thiesen at Royal LePage Realtors, Adventure Motors, Caldwell Roach Insurance, and Stokdijk Greenhouses.

We look forward to seeing you there.

03/19/2026

Online child exploitation is not just increasing… it is escalating at an alarming rate.

New data from Statistics Canada shows a 347% increase in reported cases.

Behind that number are real children. Real harm. Real lives being impacted.

At TREY, we see the long-term effects of exploitation every day. This is not something happening “somewhere else.” It is happening in our communities, in our schools, and through the devices our children use daily.

Prevention starts with awareness.
Protection starts with conversation.
We all have a role to play.

03/17/2026

Our Plates for a Purpose luncheon (April 2nd) will bring together various business and community leaders who are taking a stand for change. A heartfelt thank you to Aggregate Equipment for once again supporting our work as our Main Sponsor.

If your organization would like to partner with us in the mission to end human trafficking as an event sponsor, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to treyns2015@gmail.com.

PLATES FOR A PURPOSE LUNCHEON
Thursday, April 2
12 PM
Inn on Prince, Truro.

03/14/2026

To join us for our Plates for a Purpose luncheon on April 2, visit treynovascotia.org/plates-for-a-purpose.

Hosted at the Inn on Prince in Truro, this will be a high-impact afternoon of meaningful conversations with like-minded leaders and community members who care deeply about protecting the vulnerable.

You'll also hear from Jasmine DeFina, a survivor leader and expert in the fight against human trafficking.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of real solutions, to save lives and to end abuse and exploitation in Nova Scotia.