Alberta
Calgary human trafficking suspect preyed upon young, vulnerable teens
From the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)
A 21-year-old Calgary man is facing numerous human trafficking-related charges following an ALERT investigation. The suspect allegedly targeted vulnerable teens girls and sexually exploited them.
ALERT Human Trafficking’s investigation revealed that teens girls in Calgary were being targeted by the accused. To date, one 15-year-old victim has been identified and ALERT is looking to speak with other people who may have information about this investigation.
“We believe the accused was targeting young, vulnerable teen girls, forcing them into sexual situations, directing their movements, advertising sexual services, and taking their money,” said Cpl. Wayne Williams, ALERT Human Trafficking.
The victim is receiving necessary support and resources. ALERT has a Safety Network Coordinator embedded within their unit to provide enhanced supports to survivors.
On May 18, 2023, Benjamin Loewen, a 21-year- old from Calgary, was charged with the following:
- Sexual interference;
- Material benefit from sexual services of a person under 18;
- Drug trafficking;
- Making child pornography;
- Distribution of child pornography; and
- Extortion by threats.
He has been released from custody as he awaits his next court appearance on June 16, 2023.
“It is our understanding that this has been occurring for the past year and we have reason to believe that he may have exploited others. We want to reassure other survivors that it is safe to come forward and that their information is valuable,” Cpl. Williams added.
ALERT is working with Calgary Police Service’s child abuse unit on the investigation, which began in March 2023.
ALERT encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault or abuse to report it to police. Victims of sexual assault can report it to the Calgary Police Service by calling 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if they are in immediate danger. There is no time limit on how long a victim has to report a sexual assault in Canada.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
EDMONTON — Shares of Aurora Cannabis Inc. were down more than 10 per cent after the cannabis company announced plans to raise $33.8 million in a share offering.
The company says Canaccord Genuity has agreed to buy, on a bought deal basis, 46,250,000 shares of the company at a price of 73 cents per share.
It has also granted Canaccord Genuity an over-allotment option for up to an additional 6,937,500 shares on the same terms. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the offering will total $38.8 million.
Aurora says it plans to use the money raised to repay the remainder of its outstanding convertible senior notes at or prior to maturity.
The company says the remainder, if any, will be used for strategic purposes, including potential acquisitions.
Aurora’s stock price was down 13 per cent at 79 cents per share in early trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2023.
Companies in this story: (TSX:ACB)
The Canadian Press
Running Reins Ranch partners with members of the local Indigenous community to set-up teepee accommodations and host regular cultural programming for guests.
Tourism investment fuels growth in rural Alberta
Alberta’s government continues to support regional tourism opportunities across the province, generating jobs and new tourism destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Ahead of World Tourism Day 2023, Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow visited Running Reins Ranch to see first-hand how tourism investment grants are making a difference in the lives of Albertans.
“Alberta’s government is proud to invest in growing visitor destinations like Running Reins Ranch that celebrate the richness and diversity of Alberta’s rural destinations and provide a sustainable tourism experience for visitors to enjoy.”
As part of the Tourism Investment Program, Running Reins Ranch received a $250,000 grant from Travel Alberta.
“Our investment will support the building of additional unique accommodations at the ranch that will triple their capacity, emphasize their year-round offerings and create five new full-time jobs. This investment in Running Reins Ranch is a perfect example of how Travel Alberta is driving tourism growth in rural communities across the province.”
Running Reins is located east of Innisfail, offering cabin and teepee accommodations and a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors looking to combine the beauty of the Prairies with farm experiences for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
Right to Left: Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow, Owners of Running Reins Ranch Terry and Janice Scott, and team member Grace Finlan.
“This funding is a game-changer for us and our business. We are excited to bring our vision to life and provide visitors with unforgettable experiences while supporting the economic growth of the surrounding community.”
Tourism is Alberta’s No. 1 service export sector. In 2019, Alberta welcomed 34.6 million visitors, generating $10.1 billion in expenditures and supporting more than 80,000 full-time jobs. The Tourism Investment Program is Travel Alberta’s commitment to investing $15 million annually with communities and operators to develop the province’s tourism sector. Developing Alberta’s rural and agri-tourism sector is an essential component of the government’s efforts to grow Alberta’s tourism economy to more than $20 billion by 2035.
Quick facts
- In 2022-23, Travel Alberta funded 166 projects across 73 communities – about 75 per cent of the projects and 70 per cent of the funding were in smaller urban and rural areas of the province.
- In December 2022, Alberta’s government released its Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan, with supporting initiatives that demonstrate the government’s commitment to building healthy and prosperous communities across rural Alberta and Indigenous communities.
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