An Ontario man has been fined $70,000 for an illegal foreign worker scheme in Alberta’s national parks. The conviction follows a joint investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP.
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Kevin Kielty pleaded guilty on March 2 in the Alberta Court of Justice. He faced two counts of unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. Along with the fine, the court sentenced Kielty to two years’ probation and 50 hours of community service.
The investigation began in June 2022. The CBSA and RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team received tips from police in Ontario and Barrie regarding illegal immigration activities.
Authorities found that a group of foreign nationals travelled from Ontario to Alberta. They worked illegally in the hospitality sector within Banff National Park. An employment agency called One Team allegedly coordinated the work.
Further checks uncovered about 90 foreign nationals from Mexico. They were working without authorization at four resort hotels in Banff and Jasper.
Kielty is the sole owner of One Team. In May 2024, officials charged him with employing foreign nationals without authorization. He was also charged with counselling them to work illegally.
This is Kielty’s second conviction. In November 2023, he pleaded guilty to four similar offences in Ontario. He received an 18-month conditional house arrest sentence for those crimes.
Federal public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree said the case shows the importance of law enforcement collaboration. CBSA Regional director general Janalee Bell-Boychuk added that the conviction reflects efforts to stop immigration fraud and worker exploitation.
RCMP assistant commissioner Lisa Moreland noted that coordinated efforts help disrupt crime. She said these actions safeguard vulnerable individuals at risk of labour trafficking.
The CBSA asks the public to report suspected immigration violations through its Border Watch Line.
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