Quebec immigration fraud: over 100 fake selection certificates, ex-official charged
Quebec's immigration minister demands a full review after a former ministry employee allegedly issued over 100 fraudulent selection certificates. A Montreal court date is set for December 10.
Quebec immigration minister calls for review after 100+ alleged fraudulent certificates
Quebec's immigration minister has demanded a comprehensive review of the province's immigration procedures after investigators uncovered more than 100 suspected cases of fraudulently issued immigration selection certificates, canadianinquirer.net reports.
Immigration and Integration Minister Catherine Gentilcore said she was deeply shocked by the findings. "The integrity of the province's immigration system must be protected," Gentilcore said, adding that authorities would verify whether the incidents were isolated and ensure safeguards are in place to prevent recurrence.
The allegations centre on Marilena Ida, a former employee of Quebec's Immigration Ministry, who has been charged with breach of trust and document forgery. According to the province's anti-corruption agency, Ida allegedly issued more than 100 Quebec Selection Certificates to applicants who did not meet the eligibility requirements while serving as interim coordinator of the Quebec Experience Program.
The alleged irregularities occurred between August 2016 and February 2019.
The Quebec Selection Certificate is a critical document for immigrants seeking permanent residence through the province. Applicants must generally secure the certificate before submitting a permanent residence application to the federal government. Eligibility criteria include French-language proficiency, educational background, and work experience.
The ministry confirmed that Ida had not been employed there since 2019. Officials stated that internal controls have since been strengthened and new measures introduced to protect the integrity of Quebec's immigration programs.
Ida is scheduled to appear before a Montreal court on December 10 to answer the charges. The allegations have yet to be tested in court, and no finding of guilt has been made.
The case has drawn scrutiny to oversight mechanisms within Quebec's immigration system, particularly those governing the approval of applicants seeking provincial selection for permanent residency.
Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)