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Phillips praised AHS for acting on the situation and said it shows the need for the government to ensure proper labour standards.

She said the situation did not reflect the broader business community in Lethbridge, which “prides itself on treating people properly.”

According to the Jan. 10 order from AHS, damage from previous flooding from a burst pipe and a storeroom filled with excess equipment were flagged, along with “evidence of sleeping/living accommodations for foreign workers found in another room.”

A call to a number associated with Sadiq Holdings Inc., which is owned by Calgary’s Sadiq Noor according to his LinkedIn social media profile, was met with a text message in response directing questions to Burger King’s corporate office. The person said that they were not Noor and declined to comment further.

In an emailed statement, Burger King denied workers were sleeping on the premises.

“We have spoken to the Restaurant Owner, who independently owns and operates this location, and he has confirmed that the accusations regarding accommodations are not true,” it read.

“We have also been advised that Alberta Health Services has rescinded their notice. However, we will continue to ensure compliance with our high operational standards.”

They did not reply to further requests for comment.

In a statement, AHS said officials returned to the restaurant to ensure they complied with the orders and lifted the public health order on Wednesday.