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Saskatchewan Charges Trucking Company, Executive in Foreign Worker Case

Escalade Transportation and executive Hafiz Tariq Ayub face three charges each under Saskatchewan's Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act for allegedly deceiving international workers. The alleged violations occurred between November 2022 and August 2023 at the Regina-based carrier. Authorities allege the company and Ayub produced false information, misrepresented job conditions including duties, wages and benefits, and exploited workers' inexperience or language barriers. Escalade operates six power units with eight drivers hauling general freight, grain, agricultural supplies and construction materials. Federal records show the carrier underwent eight U.S. roadside inspections over 24 months, with 60 percent of vehicle inspections resulting in out-of-service orders. Canadian and U.S. authorities are intensifying oversight of foreign worker recruitment practices in trucking as the case reflects growing regulatory attention to industry hiring.