Edmonton woman convicted of illegally employing foreign nationals

News Release

On February 2, 2016, Jennilyn Morris, of Edmonton, plead guilty in Edmonton Provincial Court to two offences pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

 

Between 2007 and 2010, Morris employed at least 68 foreign nationals who were in Canada as visitors or with work permits for other employers. It is an offence, pursuant to section 124(1)(c) of IRPA, to employ foreign nationals in a capacity in which the foreign nationals are not authorized to be employed.

 

Between 2006 and 2010, Morris also made job offers to three foreign nationals in the Philippines to induce them to come to Canada to work for her company. Morris did not pay the wages promised, or the required amount of overtime pay stipulated in the contracts, and did not employ the foreign nationals solely in the positions approved in the Labour Market Opinion and contracts. This is an offence pursuant to section 127(b): knowingly communicating false or misleading information or declarations with intent to induce or deter immigration to Canada.

 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin May 16, 2016.

 

Quick Facts

 

• The CBSA executed two search warrants in April 2011 and seized over 12,000 evidentiary documents relevant to the investigation.
• Morris was charged in June 2014.
• Employers and employees are reminded that contraventions of IRPA regulations can lead to criminal prosecution.

 

Quotes

 

“Immigration fraud threatens the integrity of Canada’s borders and immigration system, and the CBSA is committed to taking action to enforce the law. The CBSA’s work is integral to maintaining the integrity of the Canadian immigration system, and continues to send the message that individuals who attempt to compromise this system will be prosecuted.”

-       Kim Scoville, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region

 

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Links

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Contacts

CBSA Media Relations

1-844-245-2272

PrairieMedia@cbsa.gc.ca

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