On Thursday, Stephen Harper’s Conservative Government introduced the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act.

Canada’s immigration system has a reputation of being the most fair and generous in the world.  However, we have zero tolerance for those who abuse our generosity, make bogus refugee claims, and take unfair advantage of our country.

For example, Canada receives more refugee claims from the typically non-refugee-producing European Union (EU) than from Africa or Asia.  Nearly all of the EU’s claims are withdrawn, abandoned or rejected.

These bogus claims cost Canadian taxpayers upwards of $170 million per year.  That’s why the Harper Government introduced the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act.

This is the latest step our Government has taken to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, abuse in Canada’s immigration system.  The new legislation will make our refugee system faster and fairer, while targeting the foreign criminals, bogus refugee claimants and human smugglers who exploit our immigration system.  It will work to put a stop to those who take advantage, while at the same time, help provide protection for those who are truly in need.

The Harper Government is committed to strengthening the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.