Canada has some of the most welcoming immigration policies in the free world. We have an international reputation as being very fair to all people wishing to come to Canada for a visit, or to live here permanently. Upon forming government in 2006, streamlining our immigration system to make it more efficient became a priority.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Aug. 2, 2011 - Canada has some of the most welcoming immigration policies in the free world. We have an international reputation as being very fair to all people wishing to come to Canada for a visit, or to live here permanently. Because of this reputation our wait list for immigrants rushing to come to Canada grew to over 900,000 by 2005. Due to these large numbers, our system became bogged down and inefficient. Applicants were waiting up to 10 years for a decision. Further, our immigration system was being abused by unscrupulous immigration agents, criminals and even terrorists.

Upon forming government in 2006, streamlining our immigration system to make it more efficient became a priority. An assessment of the processes in place in 2005 revealed a system rife with abuse. We discovered there were over 37,000 illegal immigrants living in Canada who disappeared after being ordered deported. Suspected criminals and terrorists had been admitted to Canada and couldn’t be found. Human smugglers and corrupt immigration agents were taking advantage of our lax immigration laws and penalties. That is why when we were elected we made maintaining our immigration systems integrity a priority.

Since elected, our Government has worked hard to reduce the waiting list to 600,000 from 900,000. Recently, legislation to discourage human smugglers and illegal immigrants has been introduced. Further, upon discovering up to 1,800 immigrants gained entry illegally through crooked consultations we made the decision to revoke their citizenships.

Additionally, last week, our Government posted a list of individuals accused of war crimes who are living illegally in our country on the following website; http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/wc-cg/menu-eng.html. As of today, with the help of the public, six individuals have been apprehended. Our Government is asking the public for help in addressing immigration abuses. If you can identify any of the individuals, please call 1-888-502-9060. Our government will continue to work with law enforcement and Canadians to identify these suspected criminals and end their abuse of our immigration system.

Most new Canadians share the same values as established citizens. They are law abiding, work hard and pay their taxes. They are the kind of immigrants that made this country into the great nation it is today. All Canadians, including new Canadians are deeply concerned about those who want to selfishly take advantage of Canada's generosity. Our government is sending a global message - we will not allow such fraud.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry