Rémi Lhomme expressed optimism about his future upon joining a travel startup in Calgary in the spring of 2024. Initially, he viewed it as a promising opportunity for personal and professional growth. The company, Kanopii, positioned itself as a disruptor in the global online travel agency sector.
However, Lhomme’s optimism quickly turned sour as he and his colleagues encountered payment issues. Eventually, their salaries were delayed, and by the end of 2024, the paychecks ceased altogether. This financial setback led to immense stress as they struggled to cover basic expenses and recoup their losses.
Unbeknownst to Lhomme, Kanopii was not the first venture of its CEO, Ifeanyi Daniels-Akunekwe, to leave employees in financial distress. The company currently owes Lhomme over $14,000 as per an Alberta government order. Several former employees also claim significant outstanding payments from Kanopii, totaling more than $152,000, according to Alberta’s public registry.
In response to inquiries, Daniels-Akunekwe stated that Kanopii faced unforeseen banking challenges, hindering its launch and payroll commitments. He emphasized that the company’s intention was never to deceive its employees, dismissing claims of fraudulent practices.
Prior to Kanopii, Daniels-Akunekwe founded 3volution Homes Group Inc., a homebuilding company that failed to deliver completed homes to buyers in Edmonton. This previous venture left homebuyers with unfinished properties and financial burdens. Notably, 3volution is reported to owe over $80,000 in wages, vacation pay, and termination benefits.
Despite mounting legal actions against Kanopii and 3volution, prospects for holding Daniels-Akunekwe personally liable remain uncertain due to legal protections afforded by the corporate structure. Employment lawyer Sarah Coderre highlighted the challenges in attributing individual responsibility in such cases, citing the concept of the corporate veil.
While numerous civil cases are underway, Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration clarified that employment standards primarily regulate labor conditions rather than entrepreneurial activities. The ministry underscored that employers are obligated to settle outstanding dues, offering avenues for affected individuals to pursue these funds either independently or through government intervention.
In addressing unpaid wages and the complexities of the collections process, Alberta legislation provides mechanisms to facilitate fund recovery, including issuing payment demands to third parties. Despite the arduous nature of the collections process, efforts are made to assist individuals in reclaiming their earnings.