Update: WEYBURN — A Weyburn man facing six immigration-related charges made his first appearance in Weyburn Provincial Court.
According to a news release issued by the Government of Saskatchewan on Feb. 23, Rodney Sidloski is charged with offences against two individuals under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, 2013 (FWRISA) and The Immigration Services Act (ISA).
Sidloski was representing himself when he was in court on Feb. 24. He said he was the volunteer CEO of a non-profit organization, and he would like to have time to retain legal counsel and review disclosure before entering a plea. He is exploring options, including possibly Legal Aid.
Crown prosecutor Peter White said he wanted to adjourn the matter because these are sections the provincial court doesn't encounter very often, and some charges might have to be amended.
The matter was adjourned to March 24 in Weyburn court so that the Crown can delve into charges and Sidloski can find representation.
Background: According to a news release from Immigration and Career Training, Rodney Sidloski is charged with three offences against one foreign worker. The charges stem from incidents reportedly occurring at HELP International Shelterbelt Centre, a tree farm, near Weyburn between May 2022 and August 2024.
Sidloski is charged with producing or distributing false or misleading information, including producing false payroll records; misrepresenting employment opportunities including misrepresenting the position, duties, length of employment, wages and benefits or other terms of employment; and taking unfair advantage of a foreign national's trust or exploiting their fear or lack of experience or knowledge, all under the FRWISA.
In addition, the news release says Sidloski is charged with three more offences against a second foreign worker at HELP International between June 2022 and June 2024.
Against the second individual, Sidloski is charged with producing or distributing false or misleading information, including producing false payroll records; taking unfair advantage of a foreign national's trust or exploiting their fear or lack of experience or knowledge; and producing or distributing false or misleading information, including producing false payroll records, all as prohibited under the FRWISA or ISA.
In an emailed news release, Sidloski said he is happy that the allegations are being placed before the courts, as this will ensure that the evidence of both HELP's side and Immigration and Career Training is weighed by an impartial party, namely the court judge.
"The allegations I have received in the summons are false and will be proven false in court," he wrote.
Sidloski went on to say he questioned the motives of the ministry in creating what he called a "major" press release, when he said far more serious charges have been levied by the ministry against Saskatchewan businesses with no such press releases.
"HELP has grave concerns regarding the conduct of Sask. immigration’s enforcement branch, which we believe have been highly prejudicial," he said.
"We at HELP pride ourselves for creating cultural diversity within our organization and we place the welfare of foreign workers and their families, as well as their safety, as the highest priority above all other considerations."
