ONTARIO BUSINESSES FINED $450,000 FOR ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN WORKERS

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have wrapped up a wide-ranging investigation into illegal employment practices involving foreign nationals in Ontario. As a result, three companies have been issued fines totalling $450,000 for violations of Canada’s immigration and employment laws.

The most severe penalty was handed to CDA Landscape Services, which received a $400,000 fine for employing twenty foreign nationals without proper authorization. Two other companies, TDA Landscape Services and SDA Services, were each fined $25,000 for two similar violations.

The investigation, launched in 2019, uncovered over 700 non-compliant foreign workers across the province, highlighting the scale of unauthorized employment and the urgent need for companies to adhere strictly to federal and provincial regulations.

A Wake-Up Call for Employers

These enforcement actions underscore the federal government’s commitment to upholding immigration integrity and labour market fairness. Companies employing foreign workers must comply with all legal requirements, including obtaining proper permits and adhering to ethical recruitment standards.

Failing to do so not only undermines the integrity of Canada’s immigration system but also exposes workers to potential exploitation. The CBSA confirmed that administrative follow-ups and additional actions are ongoing for other identified cases.

Implications for Workers and Employers

For foreign nationals, this serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of working legally and through authorized channels. Meanwhile, employers are urged to perform due diligence when hiring and to seek legal guidance when navigating the complexities of immigration-related employment.

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