Man fined $70K after dozens of foreign nationals found working illegally in Banff

A Canada Border Services Agency patch is seen on the uniform of a CBSA officer. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

An Ontario man has been fined $70,000 and sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service after dozens of foreign nationals from Mexico were found illegally working in the Banff area.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP launched an investigation into suspected illegal immigration activity in June 2022, eventually identifying a group of people travelling from Ontario to Alberta to work illegally in the hospitality industry in Banff National Park.

“Further investigation identified an additional 90 foreign nationals from Mexico working illegally in four resort hotels in the Banff and Jasper area,” the CBSA said in a Monday news release.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The CBSA says the employment was coordinated by an agency called One Team.

On May 30, 2024, Kevin Kielty, the owner of One Team, was charged with two counts of employment-related offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The CBSA says Kielty pleaded guilty to both counts on March 2.

The federal organization noted this is Kielty’s second conviction for offences under the IRPA.

In November 2023, he pleaded guilty to four counts of employment-related offences in Ontario and was sentenced to 18 months house arrest with various conditions.

“We will continue to investigate and pursue prosecution for individuals who abuse Canada’s immigration system and safeguarding workers from exploitation,” said Janalee Bell-Boychuk from the CBSA.