ARCHIVED - Government of Canada takes action to prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada’s immigration system

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OTTAWA, June 16, 2011 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today re-introduced legislation to prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada's immigration system.

"This government continues to be absolutely clear. Human smuggling is a despicable crime and any attempts to abuse Canada's generosity for financial gain will not be tolerated," said Minister Toews. "By re-introducing this legislation we are sending a clear message that our doors are open to those who play by the rules - including all legitimate refugees. However, we will crack down on those who endanger human lives and threaten the integrity of our borders."

Since October 10, 2010, when the Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act was first introduced, the RCMP announced, on June 14, 2011, the arrest of four individuals in connection with the migrant smuggling vessel, the Ocean Lady.

"Canadians gave us a strong mandate to prevent the abuse of our generous immigration system," said Minister Kenney. "Canadians have told us this abuse of our generosity is a real problem that must be stopped. Canada is a compassionate nation of immigrants with a proud history and tradition of welcoming refugees. At the same time, every sovereign country has a responsibility to protect its borders, and no Canadian thinks it's acceptable for criminals to abuse Canada's immigration system for financial gain."

With the proposed Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act, the Government of Canada is cracking down on human smugglers with a number of new measures:

For further information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Minister's Office
Public Safety Canada
613-991-2924

Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

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