rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/we-demand-justice-for-the-victims-of-tplc?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-we-demand-justice-for-the-victims-of-tplc' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Justice 4 Victims of TPLC Campaign https://actionnetwork.org/groups/justice-4-victims-of-tplc-campaign https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/643/872/normal/WhatsApp_Image_2025-06-03_at_19.49.23.jpeg In 2023, The Promise Land Consultancy (TPLC) recruited workers from the Philippines through social media, luring them to Canada on Temporary Resident Visas (TRV-Visitor) with false promises of employment through Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and work permits. TPLC charged exorbitant fees, ranging from $2,500 to $40,000, for fake immigration services. Victims signed contracts, including retainer agreements and employment contracts, but none included valid LMIA attachments. Those “hired” by TPLC were instead coerced into recruiting more victims. They were paid below minimum wage, worked longer hours than stated, and were denied basic labor protections. Victims later learned from TPLC’s former immigration consultant (IC) that the company was illegally operating as an unlicensed recruitment agency. The IC urged them to leave TPLC immediately. When victims demanded refunds, they were pressured to sign waivers relinquishing their right to sue and told they would have to wait 90 days for repayment. To date, only three victims have been refunded. CBC Investigation on the Promise Land Consultancy, covered by Aloysius Wong Impact on Victims: Victims depleted their savings or fell into debt, believing they were investing in a path to permanent residency. Once in Canada, they were subjected to exploitative labor, working longer hours for lower pay without legal protections. With their visas expiring in three months and no legitimate job offers, victims face the risk of becoming undocumented, making them susceptible to deportation and further exploitation. The financial loss, uncertainty, and betrayal have led to stress, anxiety, and hopelessness. Many victims, including professionals who left stable careers, are now unable to support their families or send money home. Victims have filed complaints with the BC Employment Standards Branch, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Philippine Consulate/Migrant Workers Office, Vancouver Police Department, and Small Claims Court. They have also met with advocates, including Migrant Workers’ Centre, Migrante BC, and Damayan BC, and gained the support of MLA Mable Elmore, who endorsed their case to Minister of Labour Harry Bains. Their story has been covered by CBC, OMNI News, DZMM, and Philippine Asian News Today. Campaign Achievements: We held dialogues with the Philippine Consulate and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), pushing for concrete action and access to AKSYON funds for victims. With the help of the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC), victims are exploring legal options and gaining access to legal representation. Our campaign has raised awareness of TPLC’s fraudulent activities, applying public pressure through media exposure and mass actions at TPLC offices. We launched protests at TPLC and key locations, demanding refunds and accountability. Legal Progress: Victims have filed cases in Small Claims Court, with some winning favorable judgments. In March 2025, one victim won a case ordering TPLC to pay $2,000 monthly. We are pursuing a federal injunction to shut down TPLC, which will strengthen our case for a class-action lawsuit seeking full restitution. Victims filed complaints with the Department of Migrant Workers. Despite TPLC’s no-show at hearings, a directive is expected to blacklist them from recruiting. We support the victims’ demands: For the Promise Land Consultancy to refund the money and pay for damages to the victims. To investigate the Promise Land Consultancy. End the outright deceitful hiring and illegal work practices of Promise Land Consultancy. Provide them with proper documentation to work and provide for their families or support with repatriation to the Philippines. We support their particular demands that: 1) The Philippine Government must take the necessary steps to serve the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): Vancouver Philippines Consulate General (PCG) must release their Assistance for Nationals funds to immediately support the needs of the victims, including supplying resources for safe housing, food, and clothing, etc. while the investigation is underway. We also ask protection for the victims and their families from any retaliation. The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) should support their repatriation as necessary, investigate and hold owner Jose Mari Miranda alias Joseph Powers accountable, pay them their refunds owed, and pay them for damages caused to their health and overall situation. 2) The Canadian government (Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety (CBSA); Arif Virani, Minister of Justice; and Harry Bains, the BC Minister of Labour) must prosecute and arrest the Promise Land Consultancy owners and management as their illegal practices are still ongoing. The Labour Export Policy of the Philippines continues to place Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in vulnerable positions, making them susceptible to trafficking and exploitation. The victims of TPLC are fighting to prevent others from enduring the same fraudulent schemes, standing alongside community members and organizations in their demand for justice. In Solidarity, [NAME] https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-demand-justice-for-the-victims-of-tplc