Today, at a press conference held at Brampton City Hall, Mayor Patrick Brown and Regional Councillor Rowena Santos joined the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, to announce proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding newcomers from immigration scams.
If enacted, the legislation will establish stringent standards for immigration representatives assisting with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The proposed measures include severe penalties for misconduct, such as multi-year and lifetime bans, increased fines, and enhanced transparency requirements among representatives, employers, and applicants.
Brampton, one of Canada’s most diverse cities, is home to Ontario’s third-largest immigrant population. According to the 2021 Census, nearly 53% of Brampton’s residents were born outside of Canada, representing 250 ethnic origins and speaking 171 different languages. Recognizing the vital contributions of newcomers, Brampton supports legislative measures that ensure fairness, respect, and accountability for those seeking to start new lives in the city and beyond.
The City of Brampton actively advocates for initiatives that protect its newest residents. The proposed legislation is seen as a significant step in combating exploitation while fostering safe and transparent pathways for immigration. Brampton remains committed to collaborating with all levels of government to safeguard newcomers and strengthen its community.
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Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton “Brampton takes immense pride in being a welcoming and diverse community where newcomers thrive and contribute to our collective prosperity. Safeguarding those who come here for better opportunities is our shared responsibility. I applaud the Ontario government and Minister Piccini for introducing this critical legislation to address immigration fraud. These measures reinforce our commitment to ensuring every newcomer is treated with dignity and fairness as they work toward building a better future here in Brampton and across Ontario.”
Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, City of Brampton “As a city that embraces diversity and the rich contributions of immigrants, Brampton stands firmly against any form of exploitation targeting our newcomers. This proposed legislation is a vital step toward ensuring that individuals seeking a new life in our community are protected from fraudulent practices. We are committed to working alongside the provincial government to implement these measures and uphold the integrity of our immigration system.”
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development “Immigrants come to Ontario to work hard, support their families, and contribute to our province’s strength, just as my parents and grandparents did. Unfortunately, navigating the complex federal immigration system often leaves newcomers vulnerable to exploitation by dishonest representatives. Our proposed legislation will enforce strict standards for immigration representatives under Ontario’s Immigration Nominee Program and crack down on fraud to protect newcomers and ensure transparency in the process.”
The City of Brampton welcomes these proactive measures and reiterates its unwavering dedication to protecting newcomers from fraud and exploitation. By fostering accountability and fairness, this legislation strengthens Ontario’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for all.