Three Ontario Companies Fined $450,000 After Over 700 Illegal Foreign Workers Found

Three Ontario-based businesses have been fined after pleading guilty to charges of employing foreign nationals without proper authorization. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that CDA Landscape Services, TDA Landscape Services, and SDA Services were collectively fined $450,000 following a comprehensive investigation into unauthorized employment practices.​

On February 28, 2025, in Oshawa, Ontario, the court proceedings concluded with the following outcomes:​

• CDA Landscape Services: Pleaded guilty to 20 counts of employing a foreign national without authorization and was fined $400,000.​

• TDA Landscape Services: Pleaded guilty to 2 counts and received a $25,000 fine.​

• SDA Services: Also pleaded guilty to 2 counts and was fined $25,000.​CP24

The joint investigation by the CBSA and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began in 2019 after an impaired driving arrest of a foreign national led authorities to uncover a network of unauthorized workers operating across southern and eastern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area. The probe identified over 700 foreign nationals employed without authorization, some of whom were found inadmissible due to criminal records and were subsequently removed from Canada.​

Aaron McCrorie, Vice President of the CBSA’s Intelligence and Enforcement Branch, emphasized the agency’s dedication to upholding Canada’s immigration laws. He stated, “The charges and the sentencing reflect a thorough investigation and our commitment to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. CBSA officers and investigators work diligently with law enforcement partners, including the OPP, to secure the border and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable.”​CP24

In 2024, the CBSA reported opening 184 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and removed over 16,470 foreign nationals for violations of the same act. The agency has set a target to increase removals by 25% in the coming fiscal years.​

The CBSA encourages the public to report any suspicious immigration activities through their Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.​