Statement — Minister Kenney Commends RCMP on Immigration Fraud Charges Laid

Ottawa, May 23, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, made the following statement today upon learning that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Immigration and Passport Special Investigation Section has laid charges against a suspected “ghost” immigration consultant and his accomplice for defrauding nearly 400 people from China.

“I commend the RCMP for their thorough investigation in this case. Crooked immigration consultants pose a danger not only to their victims but to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

“That is why the government introduced and implemented the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, which makes it a crime for anyone other than an accredited immigration representative to conduct business at any stage of an application or proceeding and doubles the penalties and fines for anyone who breaks the rules.

“I encourage Canadians to report immigration fraud by calling the Border Watch Tip Line at 1-888-502-9060.”

The Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act makes it a crime for anyone that is not a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, a provincial or territorial bar, or Quebec notaries to advise, represent or consult clients on immigration matters before the Government of Canada for a fee.

For information, please visit: Bill C-35 — Highlights

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.