FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Regina, SK — (November 21, 2024) – The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) and its members participated in an important Education and Networking event with officials from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Immigration and Career Training (ICT) and the RCMP. The session focused on the province’s plans for immigration in the trucking sector and provided STA members with critical insights into combating illegal and unethical practices within the industry.
“It is apparent that Saskatchewan has implemented some of the toughest new legislation in Canada to combat immigration fraud and abuse of foreign workers,” said Susan Ewart, Executive Director of the STA. “This is a significant step forward, and it demonstrates the province’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and ensuring ethical practices across the industry.”
The new Immigration Services Act, enacted in 2024, introduces some of the most robust safeguards in Canada, including:
- Administrative penalties of up to $200,00 for individuals and $400,000 for businesses found in violation of the Act.
- Public disclosure of offenders’ names to deter further abuse.
- Strict eligibility requirements for employers and recruiters, supported by a comprehensive code of conduct.
- Enhanced data-sharing agreements with federal and provincial authorities to identify and combat fraud and labor exploitation.
The STA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Saskatchewan government and ICT in eliminating unethical practices and ensuring a sustainable, high-quality workforce for the province’s trucking industry.
“We are excited to assist and partner with the Saskatchewan Government, Immigration and Career Training, and the RCMP to eliminate companies abusing the Immigration Program,” said Rob Ruiters, Board Chair of the STA. “These efforts are critical to safeguarding the program and maintaining a steady pool of quality drivers for Saskatchewan.”
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Many carriers who have long utilized the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) expressed concerns about changes penalizing compliant businesses due to the actions of unethical operators.
Moving forward, the SINP remains an option for the trucking sector, but new processes and stricter requirements are now in place for participating employers.
“It is evident that both ICT and the RCMP are committed to working with our members to eradicate the challenges within the immigration system,” said Ewart. “We must address these issues now to build a sustainable and growing workforce for the future.”
The STA encourages all members to prioritize compliance with the updated legislation and continue fostering an ethical and collaborative industry environment.