A new act introduced by the Conservative government aims to prevent the abuse of Canada’s immigration system for the purpose of human smuggling.

We pride our nation for its generous and welcoming society. We are pleased to welcome hundreds of thousands of immigrants from around the world.

These people work hard and play by the rules for the opportunity to live, work and raise a family in our wonderful country. Those who exhibit a disregard for the law by attempting to get ahead in the line-up to enter Canada need to know this is not acceptable.

Immigrants from around the world have a host of skills, resources and cultural capital with which to enrich our environment.

The immigration system in place allows all to benefit from the mutually beneficial relationship between immigrants and host countries.

Unfortunately, this system has come under attack by human smugglers who are targeting Canada and treating our country like a door-mat.

We must be firm in standing up and declaring we will not put up with this. Trying to take advantage of Canada’s compassionate laws is a growing problem that needs to be stopped.

The proposed legislation will assist our government in cracking down on human smugglers and those who seek to abuse our immigration system.

We will not allow human smugglers to dock their boats on our shores with impunity. Those found responsible for owning or operating a ship used in human smuggling operations will be held accountable.

It will now be easier to prosecute human smugglers, and there will be mandatory minimum prison sentences imposed on those convicted.

Individuals who participate in human smuggling operations will be detained for up to one year, or until the Immigration and Refugee Board issues a positive decision regarding the case. This will keep them from posing potential security threats to communities while identity, admissibility and illegal activity can be determined.

Canada opens its doors to those who work hard and play by the rules, while cracking down on those who seek to take advantage of our generosity and abuse our fair and welcoming immigration system.

In addition to taking tough action against those involved in illegal operations, we are working to limit the attraction of illegal smuggling by preventing those who come to Canada illegally from applying for permanent residence status or sponsoring family members for a period of five years.

Through fair, reasonable and tough action, this legislation will ensure the safety and security of Canadian communities, while extending a wealth of opportunities to deserving immigrants.

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