Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander issued the following statement:

“I would like to commend the Canada Border Services Agency for its investigation which has led to immigration charges against two Alberta residents.

“Raquel Figueroa and Enriquito Figueroa have been charged with inducing, aiding and abetting people to contravene theImmigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Raquel Figueroa is further charged for unauthorized representation, consulting and advising foreign workers for a fee.

“The Government is committed to protecting prospective immigrants from unscrupulous business people, which is why we passed Bill C-35 in 2011, An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (formerly called the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act).As part of these changes, it is illegal for unauthorized immigration representatives to charge a fee or accept any kind of compensation for their services relating to a proceeding or application under the IRPA.

“Our Government will continue to take real action to uphold the integrity of our immigration system.

“The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for the enforcement of IRPA, including penal investigations.”

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
819-954-1064