Ontario unveils strict measures to combat immigration fraud

Ontario is taking decisive steps to protect newcomers with proposed legislation targeting fraudulent immigration representatives. The new measures, announced by Labour Minister David Piccini, will enforce stringent standards for representatives handling Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applications. The legislation introduces mandatory written contracts, increased transparency requirements, and severe penalties, including lifetime bans and fines of up to $10,000 for violations. This initiative comes as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported 153 charges related to immigration consultant fraud between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections.