City of Brampton applauds Ontario Government's efforts to protect newcomers from immigration scams

​BRAMPTON, ON (November 20, 2024) - Today, at a press conference hosted at Brampton's City Hall, Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown joined the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, to announce proposed legislation to protect newcomers from immigration fraud.

​Mayor Patrick Brown welcomes new proposed legislation to protect newcomers from immigration scams. Credit: City of Brampton

​If passed, the proposed legislation will establish strict standards for immigration representatives assisting with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It includes penalties for misconduct, such as multi-year and lifetime bans, increased fines and requirements for transparency between representatives, employers and applicants.

According to the 2021 Census, nearly 53 per cent of Brampton's population was born outside of Canada. The city is home to Ontario's third-largest immigrant population, with nearly 344,000 immigrants representing 250 ethnic origin who speak 171 different languages. As a city welcoming thousands of newcomers each year, Brampton recognizes the importance of protecting those seeking to build new lives. The proposed legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring newcomers are treated with fairness, respect and the opportunity to thrive in Brampton and anywhere in Ontario they choose to call home.

With significant services supporting newcomers and pathways to employment, the City remains a strong advocate for programs and policies that protect and uplift its newest residents. Brampton offers a wealth of opportunities for newcomers to grow and contribute and this legislation reinforces the City's commitment to their well-being.

The City of Brampton welcomes the proposed legislation and applauds the proactive measures aimed at protecting newcomers from exploitation while fostering fairness, accountability and transparency in the immigration process. Brampton is committed to collaborating with all levels of government to prevent immigration fraud.

Quotes

"Brampton is proud to be one of Canada's most diverse cities, welcoming thousands of newcomers each year who contribute to our shared prosperity. Protecting those who come here seeking better opportunities is a responsibility we take very seriously. I commend the Ontario government and Minister Piccini for introducing this important legislation to combat immigration fraud and exploitation. These measures are a critical step to ensuring newcomers are treated with fairness and respect as they work to build their lives in Brampton and across Ontario." - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton "Like so many Canadians whose parents or grandparents came here for a better life, immigrants come to this province to work hard, support their families and contribute to a stronger Ontario. Struggling to navigate a confusing federal immigration system, many newcomers put their trust in immigration representatives - many of whom are diligent and honest, but a few bad actors exploit vulnerable newcomers, jeopardizing their immigration status and scamming them out of tens of thousands of dollars. We will soon introduce legislation to enforce standards for immigration representatives using Ontario's Immigration Nominee Program and crack down on fraud."- David Piccini, Minister, Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development​

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