Ontario's New Legislation to Combat Immigration Fraud

Ontario is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation aimed at shielding newcomers from fraud and exploitation within the immigration system, the province announced on Wednesday.

Immigration Minister David Piccini highlighted the troubling presence of unscrupulous immigration representatives preying on newcomers during their Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) applications. He noted that many immigrants turn to these representatives for guidance through Canada's complex immigration process.

“We know there are bad actors who exploit vulnerable newcomers, scamming them out of their life savings, lying to them with fake job acceptance letters, coercing them into forging documents, and jeopardizing their immigration status,” Piccini stated during a provincial announcement.

Dire Circumstances and Exploitation

The minister painted a grim picture of some immigrants' living conditions, describing them as being “packed like sardines into a basement unit” and others facing sexual exploitation.

Legislative Measures

If enacted, the proposed legislation will enforce new standards for immigration representatives, requiring:

• Written contracts with OINP applicants.
• Proof of their registration or license to operate.
• Ensuring applicants can access their OINP files.

Non-compliance could result in fines, multi-year bans, or lifetime bans for severe offenses like human trafficking or withholding passports. The province plans to publish offenders’ names online and report them to federal immigration authorities.

We will not let these scumbags hide, Piccini emphasized, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Sector Challenges and Federal Responsibility

Sara Asalya, Executive Director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, underscored the sector's overcapacity and urged increased federal funding for settlement and employment services. She shared harrowing accounts of international students defrauded by fraudulent immigration representatives, losing their savings and facing uncertain futures.

“It is heartbreaking to hear about students losing their savings, being misled about their immigration status or facing uncertainty about their ability to stay in a country after investing so much already in their education and future,” Asalya remarked.

Calls for Federal Action

Graham McGregor, Conservative MPP for Brampton North, criticized the federal government's handling of the immigration system, citing inadequate support for newcomers and a lack of transparency. Cities like Brampton and Toronto, alongside settlement services, are overstretched due to insufficient federal funding, Piccini noted.

Stef Lach, spokesperson for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, praised the legislation's requirement for representatives to provide proof of licensing as a positive step toward protecting immigrants.

Conclusion

As Ontario moves to fortify its immigration framework, the call for federal support grows louder. Advocates stress the need for tailored programs similar to the OINP to enhance newcomers' economic integration. With this legislative push, Ontario aims to foster a fairer, more transparent immigration system, ensuring that newcomers can pursue their Canadian dreams without fear of exploitation.

CBC Toronto has reached out to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for comment, as the province anticipates the introduction of this potentially transformative legislation next week.