REGINA, Sask. — Regina-based transportation company Escalade Transportation Inc. and Hafiz Tariq Ayub are each charged with three offences under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act (FWRISA).
According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the offences took place between November 2022 and August 2023 at Escalade Transportation Inc. in Regina.
The accused are charged with producing or distributing false or misleading information, as prohibited by section 22(a) of the FWRISA, misrepresenting employment opportunities, including misrepresentations respecting position, duties, length of employment, wages and benefits or other terms of employment, as prohibited by section 22(c) of the FWRISA, and taking unfair advantage of a foreign national's fear or lack of experience or knowledge, as prohibited by section 22(g) of the FWRISA.
The accused will appear in Regina Provincial Court on Sept. 17.
Saskatchewan proclaimed The Immigration Services Act on July 1, 2024, which replaced The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act. The Immigration Services Act is the most comprehensive program integrity framework in the nation, including the highest fines for violation in the country. As the offences above occurred prior to the implementation of The Immigration Services Act, charges were laid under the former Act.
The Program Compliance Branch of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training works to protect immigrants and foreign workers in Saskatchewan. The branch encourages anyone with questions about legislative protections for newcomers, who believes their rights have been violated, or who wants to file a complaint about the immigration or recruitment process to contact pcb@gov.sk.ca or call 1-833-613-0485. No permission is needed to contact the branch, and all information provided will be kept confidential.
