Saskatchewan has charged three employers with violating provincial laws designed to protect foreign workers, marking the first criminal charges laid under the province’s immigration protection legislation.
Kartikkumar Prakashkumar Patel, Rutvik Hasmukhbhai Patel and Piyushkumar Mafatbhai Patel each face three charges under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act. The alleged offences occurred between August 2023 and February 2024 at Guac Mexi Grill in Moose Jaw.
Allegations include retaliation and exploitation
The charges allege the three individuals retaliated or threatened to retaliate against a foreign worker for participating in a government investigation or filing a complaint with authorities. They are also accused of exploiting a foreign worker’s lack of knowledge or experience and charging a foreign worker fees for employment.
All three charges carry penalties under the act. The accused are scheduled to appear in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on November 25.
New law strengthens protections
Saskatchewan replaced the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act with The Immigration Services Act on July 1, 2024. According to the provincial government, the new legislation includes the highest fines for violations in Canada.
Because the alleged offences occurred before the new act took effect, charges were filed under the former legislation.
Resources available for workers and employers
The Program Compliance Branch of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training handles immigrant and foreign worker protection in Saskatchewan. Workers who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints without requiring permission from their employer, and all information is kept confidential.
The Saskatchewan Employment Act provides additional protections for all workers in the province, including employment standards and occupational health and safety provisions.
