Three Ontario businesses have been fined after Canadian authorities found they were illegally hiring hundreds of foreign workers. Over 700 unauthorized workers were discovered across Ontario, especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Let’s break down what happened in simple terms.
What Exactly Happened?
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) launched an investigation after a foreign national (non-Canadian citizen) was arrested for impaired driving in 2019.
- That arrest led investigators to a large group of people working in Canada without proper permission.
- They were hired by three companies in Ontario:
- CDA Landscape Services – fined $400,000
- TDA Landscape Services – fined $25,000
- SDA Services – fined $25,000
All three companies are based in Ajax, Ontario.
What Did These Companies Do Wrong?
- They hired people who did not have legal work permits.
- The companies were paying these workers directly and sending them to other businesses to do physical labor jobs.
- This practice is against Canadian immigration laws.
What Happened to the Workers?
- Over 700 foreign workers were identified.
- Many of them have already been removed (deported) from Canada.
- Some were found inadmissible due to criminal records or breaking immigration laws.
What Is CBSA Doing About It?
CBSA is the agency that protects Canada’s borders and immigration system. Their statement said:
“The charges and fines show how serious we are about keeping Canada’s immigration system fair and legal.”
CBSA has removed 16,470 people from Canada since last year for immigration violations.
Why Should You Care?
If you are a foreign worker or planning to come to Canada:
- Always make sure you have a valid work permit
- Don’t fall for job offers that sound too good to be true
- Stay away from employers who promise cash jobs or “shortcuts”
FAQs – Your Questions Answered
❓ What is an “unauthorized worker”?
➡️ Someone working in Canada without a valid work permit or without legal permission.
❓ Can foreign workers get deported?
➡️ Yes. If you’re caught working illegally, you can be removed from Canada and possibly banned from returning.
❓ Are the companies punished too?
➡️ Absolutely. In this case, fines ranged from $25,000 to $400,000.
❓ How can I check if my employer is legal?
➡️ Ask for a written job contract, check their business registration, and make sure you have a valid work permit linked to that employer.
❓ Can I apply for Canadian PR if I’ve worked illegally?
➡️ It depends on your situation. In most cases, working without permission can hurt your chances of getting permanent residency.
Need Help With Legal Work or Immigration to Canada?
Ask Kubeir is here to guide you! Whether it’s:
- Creating a proper Express Entry profile
- Getting a valid job offer
- Understanding your work permit status
We make Canadian immigration easy and legal.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.