Ontario gets tough on immigration scammers; Brampton prime target [Video]

Ontario will soon crack down on fraudulent immigration consultants who exploit newcomers.

Using Brampton as a backdrop to make the announcement today (Nov. 20), David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said the new rules will create standards that immigration representatives must meet with penalties for those who violate the standards.

Officials said it was no coincidence that Brampton was chosen to make the announcement.

Brampton has long been considered a troublespot where scammers have set up operations because it is a destination point for many immigrants, especially those from South Asia.

Reports of newcomers being promised jobs that don’t exist, swindled out of life savings, and faced with sexual exploitation have increased over the years and the new rules are meant to protect those who are preyed upon.

“Like so many Canadians whose parents or grandparents came here for a better life, immigrants come to this …