TICO: Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau Convicted of Operating Without Registration

Image: Another travel court case. (Photo Credit: mojo_cp / Adobe Stock)
Image: Another travel court case. (Photo Credit: mojo_cp / Adobe Stock)
Natasha Lair
by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:10 AM ET, Tue December 16, 2025

Shawna Thibodeau, operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau, has pleaded guilty to one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered, following charges laid by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).

Thibodeau was fined $7,500, inclusive of a victim surcharge, and sentenced to a two-year probation.

In April, Thibodeau, operating as Be Free by Shawna Thibodeau, was charged with selling travel services without TICO registration, specializing in international wellness retreats.

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.

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