A CBSA patch is seen on an officer in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A major federal investigation has resulted in significant penalties for three Ontario-based businesses that were found guilty of employing hundreds of unauthorized foreign workers.
CDA Landscape Services, located in Ajax, Ontario, has been hit with a $400,000 fine after pleading guilty to 20 counts of hiring foreign nationals without legal work authorization.
Two other companies — TDA Landscape Services and SDA Services — also admitted guilt, each pleading to two counts and receiving $25,000 fines.
The charges stem from a probe launched by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Investigation Traced Back to 2019 Arrest
The case began unexpectedly in 2019, when the OPP arrested a foreign national for impaired driving. That arrest led investigators to uncover what they later described as a “network of unauthorized workers” operating across Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
According to CBSA officials, the investigation revealed that over 700 foreign nationals had been employed by the organization, despite not having the required documentation or legal status to work in Canada.
Many of the individuals identified were later determined to be inadmissible due to criminal records and have since been deported from the country.
Strong Message from CBSA
Aaron McCrorie, Vice President of the CBSA’s Intelligence and Enforcement Branch, stressed the agency’s dedication to enforcing immigration laws.
“The charges and the sentencing reflect a thorough investigation and our commitment to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system,” he stated.
He further emphasized that CBSA investigators work closely with law enforcement agencies like the OPP to uphold Canadian law and hold violators accountable.
Since last year, the CBSA has removed 16,470 foreign nationals for violating immigration laws, showcasing the scale of its enforcement efforts.
Crackdown on Illegal Employment Practices
This case sends a strong signal to employers across Canada: using unauthorized labour comes with serious consequences. The CBSA reiterated that employing foreign nationals without proper permits not only violates immigration law but also undermines the fairness of the Canadian labour market.
The penalties handed down in this case — particularly the $400,000 fine against CDA Landscape Services — reflect both the scale of the violation and the government’s intent to deter such practices.
The CBSA continues to work on identifying and removing individuals who breach immigration rules and investigating businesses that exploit such labour.As Canada continues to welcome newcomers through legal pathways, enforcement actions like this underscore the importance of compliance and ethical employment standards.
