Immigration Department Report Reveals Misconduct and Wrongdoing

A recent report detailing misconduct and wrongdoing within the federal immigration department revealed instances of staff interference with applications for entry and residency in Canada. The report, the first of its kind, highlighted various breaches of conduct observed during the 2023-2024 period.

The report disclosed that a number of employees misused their access to the department's systems to examine individuals' files. Some staff members checked or inquired about the status of immigration files for family, friends, or acquaintances, while others did so out of personal curiosity. There were also instances where employees attempted to expedite immigration cases or requested colleagues to alter file information.

The department produced the report to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and to showcase the actions taken to address misconduct. The deputy minister acknowledged the courage of employees who reported concerns or raised alarms about potentially problematic behavior. He emphasized the department's ability to address misconduct and encouraged employees to report issues without fear of reprisal.

The report also detailed specific examples of misconduct. In one instance, a case processing agent inquired with a colleague via internal messaging whether they would accept money to approve a study permit, a document required for international students. The colleague reported the request as a violation of the department's code of conduct. The agent then provided a false explanation, claiming someone else had used their computer to make the request. Further investigation revealed the agent was experiencing financial difficulties, and their security clearance was revoked.

Other examples of wrongdoing included making racist comments and cheating on a test. In cases involving privacy breaches, managers were required to inform the department's privacy division to ensure the breach was addressed.

The report identified 62 confirmed cases of misconduct and wrongdoing during the specified period, out of 76 cases examined. These included instances of harassment, violence, disrespectful behavior, and violations of the department's code of conduct. One employee was suspended without pay for making discriminatory remarks. Another employee was suspended without pay after forming a social relationship with an asylum claimant, coaching the claimant on how to interact with the department, and co-signing the claimant’s car loan, which was deemed a conflict of interest.