December 15, 2025 - Convicted: Shawna Thibodeau operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau
Mississauga, ONT. – After being charged by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), Shawna Thibodeau, operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau, pleaded guilty to one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.
Shawna Thibodeau was fined $7,500, inclusive of a victim surcharge, and sentenced to a two-year probation.
TICO prosecutes unregistered companies and individuals to maintain the integrity of Ontario’s travel marketplace, giving consumers confidence when purchasing travel from registered professionals, while ensuring a level playing field for registered businesses.
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. 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.
-30-
Media contact
Kristina Wilson
Stakeholder Relations Manager