Significant Sentence for Edmonton woman illegally employing foreign nationals
News Release
On May 20, 2016, Jennilyn Morris, of Edmonton, was sentenced to four years incarceration, of which one and half years will be served concurrently, under two paragraphs of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Morris was also ordered to pay $22,000 in restitution to 13 foreign nationals who were victimized by her false and misleading information.
Between 2007 and 2010, Morris 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. For this offence, pursuant to paragraph 127(b): knowingly communicating false or misleading information or declarations with intent to induce or deter immigration to Canada, Morris was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.
Between 2006 and 2010, Morris employed at least 68 foreign nationals who were not authorized to work in Canada. The foreign nationals were in Canada as visitors or with work permits for other employers. For this offence, pursuant to paragraphs 124(1)(c): to employ foreign nationals in a capacity in which the foreign nationals are not authorized to be employed, Morris was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, which will be served concurrently.
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
“The CBSA takes violations of Canada's immigration laws, including fraud, very seriously and works to identify, investigate, and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who violate our immigration laws. This sentencing is evidence of that.”
- Kim Scoville, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region
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Contacts
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1-844-245-2272
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