Canada’s immigration department has revealed a troubling picture of employee misconduct, with more than 100 confirmed cases of wrongdoing recorded over the past year, ranging from fraud and abuse of authority to harassment, racism, and workplace violence.
According to an internal report, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) investigated and substantiated 105 cases of misconduct during the last fiscal year. The incidents resulted in disciplinary measures that included employee terminations and dozens of suspensions without pay.
A significant number of cases involved attendance-related violations such as absenteeism, unauthorized leave, lateness, and time theft. One particularly serious investigation uncovered an employee who allegedly held two full-time federal government positions simultaneously for more than three years while submitting false overtime claims. Investigators determined that the employee also manipulated productivity records and used misleading communication practices to create the impression of being actively engaged in work. The individual resigned before the investigation was completed.
The report also highlighted concerns involving leadership and workplace ethics. In one case, a senior executive was found to have improperly facilitated the promotion of a subordinate with whom they were reportedly involved in a personal relationship. The same executive was also accused of repeatedly using disrespectful and inappropriate language toward colleagues and staff members.
Another employee working abroad came under scrutiny for maintaining a public blog that discussed aspects of embassy operations, disclosed private workplace conversations, and expressed personal political opinions that were considered potentially damaging to the department’s reputation and public confidence.
Technology-related violations formed another area of concern. Investigations revealed instances of employees downloading unauthorized software, accessing inappropriate content on government computers, and connecting unauthorized devices to government networks. In one case, an employee allegedly used the department’s immigration case management system to obtain information about an individual involved in a personal legal dispute.
The report further documented cases involving racist remarks, inappropriate physical contact, sexual harassment, violent conduct, unauthorized use of government credit cards, and improper access to immigration files belonging to family members, friends, and even the employees themselves.
Deputy Immigration Minister Ted Gallivan acknowledged the seriousness of the findings, noting that the department’s decisions affect the lives of millions of people and therefore require the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He emphasized that while misconduct can occur in any large organization, all allegations are investigated thoroughly and appropriate disciplinary action is taken whenever wrongdoing is confirmed.
The report forms part of a broader federal government transparency initiative requiring departments and agencies to publicly disclose founded cases of employee misconduct. Across the federal public service, more than 1,600 misconduct cases were reportedly recorded last year, resulting in hundreds of suspensions and numerous dismissals.
The findings have renewed calls for stronger accountability and oversight within government departments. Critics argue that Canadians expect public servants to uphold the highest ethical standards and that taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how misconduct is identified, investigated, and addressed.
As Canada continues to process millions of immigration and citizenship applications annually, the report serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining public trust, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring that government employees remain accountable to the people they serve.