“First Conviction Under Enhanced Foreign Worker Laws”

A restaurant in Moose Jaw has become the first company to face conviction under Saskatchewan’s foreign worker protection laws, which have recently undergone enhancements with stricter penalties. Dyan Jeny Enterprises, known as Guac Mexi Grill, admitted guilt in Moose Jaw provincial court for illegally charging a foreign worker for employment expenses between August 2023 and February 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. These offenses were prosecuted under the former Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, which has now been replaced by the Immigration Services Act, reflecting the province’s commitment to reinforce compliance and enforcement measures. The charges stemmed from an investigation revealing that the company compelled a foreign worker to pay $12,000 to secure their job, crucial for their Canadian permanent residency aspirations. As part of the ruling, the company was fined $5,000, imposed a $2,000 victim fine surcharge, and directed to pay $12,000 in restitution to the affected worker. The updated Immigration Services Act, in effect from 2024, imposes significant penalties of up to $750,000 for individuals and $1.25 million for corporations, with the possibility of a two-year imprisonment upon conviction. The ministry emphasized that the legislation grants Saskatchewan enhanced investigative powers to address immigration-related violations and hold accountable non-compliant employers, recruiters, and consultants. Workers who suspect their rights have been infringed upon can confidentially report to the ministry’s compliance branch via email at pcb@gov.sk.ca or by calling 306-798-1350.