April 7, 2025
In the news: Employment practices and foreign worker compliance
Recent media coverage has brought attention to unauthorized employment practices involving three Ontario employment agencies that provide labour to landscaping companies. While these cases of utilizing unauthorized foreign workers are serious and may prompt concern, Landscape Ontario (LO) would like to offer clarity for members and the public regarding our position and the broader context.
None of the companies named in the investigation are current members of LO. One of the businesses was formerly a member but has not been affiliated with us for some time.
LO unequivocally supports compliance with Canadian immigration and labour laws and advocates for responsible, lawful hiring practices across the sector. We recognize that many employers rely on international labour to meet seasonal and skilled workforce needs, and it is essential that hiring be done in accordance with federal programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
We continually offer information to our members on regulatory changes regarding these government programs and promote awareness on how they can help to narrow the labour shortage within our growing sector.
We continue to promote a professional, trusted and compliant landscape and horticulture industry in Ontario. As part of that commitment, we encourage members who hire foreign workers to ensure they are using the appropriate legal pathways.
The following Government of Canada resources provide helpful guidance: If you have questions about compliance or would like to better understand your obligations under these programs, we encourage you to consult these resources or reach out to the appropriate government departments.
None of the companies named in the investigation are current members of LO. One of the businesses was formerly a member but has not been affiliated with us for some time.
LO unequivocally supports compliance with Canadian immigration and labour laws and advocates for responsible, lawful hiring practices across the sector. We recognize that many employers rely on international labour to meet seasonal and skilled workforce needs, and it is essential that hiring be done in accordance with federal programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
We continually offer information to our members on regulatory changes regarding these government programs and promote awareness on how they can help to narrow the labour shortage within our growing sector.
We continue to promote a professional, trusted and compliant landscape and horticulture industry in Ontario. As part of that commitment, we encourage members who hire foreign workers to ensure they are using the appropriate legal pathways.
The following Government of Canada resources provide helpful guidance: If you have questions about compliance or would like to better understand your obligations under these programs, we encourage you to consult these resources or reach out to the appropriate government departments.