Nov 20, 2024 – Breaking News: Ontario Cracks Down on Immigration Fraud
Ontario is taking decisive action to combat immigration scams with proposed legislation targeting fraudulent practices within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The new measures aim to enforce stringent standards for immigration representatives, introducing severe penalties for violations, including hefty fines, multi-year bans, and lifetime prohibitions for severe infractions.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, criticizing the federal government’s oversight. “Navigating a complex federal immigration system, many newcomers turn to immigration representatives for help. While most are ethical and reliable, a few exploit vulnerable individuals, jeopardizing their status and costing them tens of thousands of dollars. Ontario is stepping up to fill the gap left by the federal government’s systemic failures. This legislation will fight fraud and ensure fair treatment for newcomers building their lives in Ontario.”
The province’s concerns about federal inefficiencies were echoed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who highlighted the real-world impact on municipalities. “Brampton is one of Canada’s most diverse cities, welcoming thousands of newcomers annually who contribute significantly to our prosperity. Protecting these individuals is a shared responsibility. I applaud the Ontario government and Minister Piccini for introducing measures to combat immigration fraud and exploitation. These steps are vital to ensuring fairness and respect for those starting fresh in Brampton and across Ontario.”
Sara Asalya, Executive Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, stressed the importance of these reforms for families and communities. “We commend the Ontario government for its commitment to protecting immigrants through long-overdue legislative action. Stronger regulations and compliance systems will safeguard newcomers from exploitation and foster a more equitable immigration process that values their contributions.”
Community organizations, including Brampton Multicultural Community Centre, Catholic Crosscultural Services, Punjabi Community Health Services, Achēv, and United Way Greater Toronto, expressed support for the initiative. These groups play a crucial role in assisting newcomers with settlement and integration, highlighting the need for provincial intervention to address gaps in federal policies.
The measures, part of Ontario’s forthcoming Working for Workers Six package, demonstrate the province’s dedication to safeguarding newcomers and ensuring integrity in the immigration system. Additional details are expected in the coming weeks.