April 3, 2025 - Charged: Shawna Thibodeau operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau
Mississauga, ONT. – The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has charged Shawna Thibodeau with one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.
It is alleged that Shawna Thibodeau, operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau, sold travel services without TICO registration, specializing in international wellness retreats.
Shawna Thibodeau will appear in court on May 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Welland, Ontario.
Individuals convicted in Court of offences relating to the Travel Industry Act, 2002 are subject to fines of up to $50,000 and/or prison terms of up to two years. Corporations are subject to fines of up to $250,000.
About TICO
Formed in 1997, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) regulates Ontario’s approximately 1,900 travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators. TICO administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 on behalf of the Ontario government. As a consumer protection organization, TICO facilitates a consumer complaints process and administers the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. By booking travel with a TICO-registered business, consumers have access to added protection. To verify if a company is registered with TICO, and for helpful information and resources, visit www.tico.ca.
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Media contact
Kristina Wilson
Stakeholder Relations Manager