The federal government expanded its “Wanted by the CBSA” list to include individuals who have failed to comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and have criminal convictions in Canada. This announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Candice Hoeppner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Chris Alexander and Luc Portelance, President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
“Canadians are taking a stand against those who are in our country illegally,” said Minister Toews. “Our Government is committed to removing individuals who are inadmissible because they are suspected of, or complicit in, war crimes or crimes against humanity and those who have been convicted for acts of serious criminality committed in Canada.”
The Government of Canada takes its obligation to safeguard public safety very seriously and will take all necessary measures to ensure Canadians are protected. To date, tips from the public have helped in the successful apprehension of six individuals on the original list of 30 announced on July 21, with a seventh individual located outside of Canada.
“Canada’s doors will not remain open to those who have broken the law and have endangered the safety of our citizens,” said Parliamentary Secretary Hoeppner.
The CBSA, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police work cooperatively with international partners to ensure that those who have failed to comply with the IRPA, have been found to be inadmissible and have criminal convictions in the country, find no sanctuary in Canada.
“With the tremendous assistance of the public, the CBSA has made progress in finding and apprehending individuals on the ‘Wanted by the CBSA’ list,” said President Portelance. “With this expanded list, we encourage the public to visit our Web site for updates and continue to send in any tips as to the whereabouts of these wanted individuals, by calling the Border Watch Toll-free Line or their local police.”
The Government will continue to be vigilant at the border and around the world, making our communities a safer place to live and our country more secure.
“Our Government cannot tolerate individuals who attempt to stay in Canada illegally,” said Parliamentary Secretary Alexander. “Through CBSA’s expansion of the list of individuals who are believed to be residing illegally throughout this country, the Government of Canada, with the help of the public, will continue to track down these individuals so that justice can be served”
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity or immigration-related offences, please contact the CBSA by calling the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060. Members of the public are reminded that they should not take action to apprehend the individuals listed on the Web site.
For more information, please visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
