A Quebec resort company, its two directors and an employee face criminal charges after a Canada Border Services Agency investigation found 21 foreign workers were hired without authorization over nearly two years.
Camping Havana Resort, operating as 9267-1551 Quebec Inc., directors Ariane and Dominic Perrier, and employee Oscar Fuentes Labrada were charged Feb. 26 at the Granby courthouse. The alleged offences took place between May 2022 and April 2024. All four are scheduled to appear in court March 26, 2026.
The charges
The company directors each face one count under section 124(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for hiring foreign nationals who were not authorized to work in Canada.
Fuentes Labrada faces two additional counts under section 131 of the same act: encouraging company officials to hire unauthorized foreign workers, and encouraging foreign nationals to work in Canada without authorization.
How the investigation unfolded
The CBSA opened an investigation in December 2022 after receiving a tip from the public. Investigators searched the resort’s premises on Sept. 4, 2024, gathering the evidence that led to the charges.
What employers need to know
Hiring a foreign worker who lacks the proper authorization to work for your business is a criminal offence under federal immigration law. Employers are responsible for verifying that any foreign national they hire holds a valid work permit that lists their organization as the authorized employer.
“CBSA investigators work tirelessly to maintain fair labour market conditions and protect the health and safety of Canadians,” said Eric Lapierre, regional director general of the CBSA’s Quebec Region. “Anyone who hires foreign workers without authorization is subject to criminal prosecution.”
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
