Canadian Citizenship not For Sale
Our Conservative Government is taking action to strip citizenship and permanent residence status from people who do not play by the rules; who lie, cheat, and scam the system. Having Canadian citizenship is an honour and a privilege, and we will apply the full strength of Canadian law against those who cheapen its integrity.
Our Government’s investigation into this type of fraud continues to grow, with nearly 11,000 individuals potentially implicated in applying for citizenship or maintaining permanent resident status illegitimately. We have already started the process of revoking 3,100 fraudulently obtained citizenships.
In most cases, those under investigation will use deceitful immigration representatives to fraudulently create evidence of living in Canada while actually residing overseas. This deception is created so that they can falsely document their status and later apply for citizenship. Investigations have found that a family of five may pay upwards of $25,000 over four or more years to create the illusion of Canadian residence.
This fraud hurts everyday Canadian families. Those who illegitimately obtain permanent residence or citizenship status have access to taxpayer subsidized education, health care, and other social benefits without ever contributing as taxpayers themselves. It also hurts the reputation of the majority of immigrants who come to Canada by following the rules with honesty and integrity.
Over the past six years, under the leadership of Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government, Canada has had the highest sustained level of immigration in history. We are committed to creating an immigration system that brings the world’s best and brightest to Canada, while protecting it against those who would abuse our generosity.
Pierre Poilievre
MP for Nepean-Carleton