OTTAWA — The federal government is cracking down on restaurant owners misusing the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and now a franchisee in Victoria, B.C. may be facing prison time and fines of up to $100,000.
The government has suspended foreign worker permits in three McDonald’s locations in Victoria, B.C., owned by franchisee Glen Bishop, pending the outcome of an investigation. It also revoked Labour Market Opinions (LMOs) issued to The Boathouse Restaurant in Fenelon Falls, Ont., and suspended LMOs for Jungle Jim’s Restaurant and Greco Pizza in Labrador, N.L. LMOs may be revoked if the employer or group of employers provided false, misleading or inaccurate information in the context of the request for that opinion.
“Canadians must always be first in line for available jobs. Our government will not tolerate any abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Today’s announcement sends a clear message that we are taking action against employers who abuse the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and that employers who break the rules will be publically named and face serious consequences,” said Jason Kenney, minister of Employment and Social Development.
McDonald’s has responded with a statement, saying it’s in the process of taking ownership back from the franchisee. “At McDonald’s Canada, we do not tolerate infractions of any kind — intended or unintended,” a spokesperson said. “We are working through the process of terminating our relationship with this franchisee.”
