A Canadian trucking company and one of its representatives have been charged with allegedly misleading and taking unfair advantage of foreign workers in Saskatchewan.
Escalade Transportation Inc. and Hafiz Tariq Ayub each face three charges under Saskatchewan’s former Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, according to the provincial government, according to a news release.
The alleged offenses occurred between November 2022 and August 2023 at Escalade Transportation in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Provincial authorities allege Escalade and Ayub produced or distributed false or misleading information; misrepresented employment opportunities, including positions, duties, length of employment, wages, benefits or other employment terms; and took unfair advantage of a foreign national’s fear or lack of experience or knowledge.
Escalade Transportation reported six power units and eight drivers and identifies its operation as interstate and authorized-for-hire, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Its U.S. DOT status was listed as active as of Sept. 19, although its FMCSA operating authority status was listed as “not authorized.”
The carrier reported hauling general freight, grain, feed and hay, dry bulk commodities, agricultural and farm supplies, and construction materials.
FMCSA data shows Escalade underwent eight U.S. roadside inspections during the 24 months ending Sept. 19. Three of five vehicle inspections resulted in vehicles being placed out of service, for a 60% vehicle out-of-service rate. No drivers were placed out of service. The agency’s database showed no reportable crashes involving the carrier during that period.
The Saskatchewan government did not disclose how many foreign workers were allegedly affected, whether they were truck drivers or other employees, or the specific employment representations underlying the charges.
Why it matters: The case puts another spotlight on recruitment and employment practices involving foreign workers in trucking as Canadian and U.S. regulators increase scrutiny of the industry’s labor pipeline.
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