Alberta employment agency charged for collecting money from foreign workers

An employment agency has been charged by the Alberta government for collecting fees from foreign workers to find them jobs in the province, a practice not allowed under Alberta law. Platinum-Care.Com Corporation allegedly charged two foreign workers a total of $5200 to secure them each a job in Alberta.

“We have clear rules about recruitment fees and this employment agency knew them,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. “These types of fees can be a real hardship for people from other countries wanting to find jobs in our province.”

In Sept. 2008, Platinum-Care.Com Corporation and its Directors, Leahnette Acuna and Rossana Lim, allegedly indicated to two foreigners that they would find them a job in the health care sector for a fee of $2600 each. The workers paid the money in early Oct. 2008 but in Dec. 2008 requested their money back. They have yet to receive a refund.

Platinum-Care.Com Corporation and the two directors are charged under the Fair Trading Act and the Employment Agency Business Licensing Regulation. They face two counts each for allegedly charging fees to find jobs for workers, which is prohibited under the regulation. Their first court appearance on these charges is scheduled for June 24 in Calgary.