AHMED Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Wednesday announced that the government is introducing new legislation to protect Canadians, prospective newcomers and good-standing immigration and citizenship consultants against the fraudulent consultants who are preying on the most vulnerable.

He said: “Our government is taking decisive action to hold immigration and citizenship consultants to a much higher standard as we do with other professions, such as lawyers and doctors.”

In a statement, Hussen said: “The new legislation would make the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants the official watchdog of consultants across the country and give them both the powers and tools they need for vigorous oversight, enforcement, investigations and punishment to root out fraudulent immigration and citizenship consultants and hold them accountable for their actions.

“In addition, we will work with the College to: implement a mandatory and robust course for those wishing to obtain an immigration and citizenship consulting license; introduce transparency on fees; and provide a better system for people to make formal complaints against a consultant.

“These changes will protect both Canadians and prospective newcomers as well as the many good-standing consultants that are providing immigration and citizenship services ethically and professionally.”

Hussen noted: “While practicing law, I have seen the devastating effect that fraud has had on people and I am committed to holding immigration and citizenship consultants to the highest standard.”