ARCHIVED - Suspected Human Smuggling Vessel Taken Into Custody by Indonesian Authorities

OTTAWA, July 12, 2011 - Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, Jason Kenney, Canada's Immigration Minister, and John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, made the following statement following reports that the Indonesian National Police intercepted a human smuggling vessel in Indonesian waters. This vessel may have been destined for Canada:

"Canada is committed to working with our international partners to target organized criminals that would aim to take advantage of our generous immigration system. Our Government is taking action to prevent the abuse of Canada's immigration system by human smugglers.

We thank the Indonesian Government and the Indonesian National Police for taking responsible steps and their professionalism. Indonesia is an important partner in our fight against illegal migration.

Human smuggling is a despicable crime. Not only do smugglers take advantage financially of vulnerable people, but they put people's lives at risk. The Harper Government will continue to work with other countries to ensure that migrants are not taken advantage of by human smugglers, while continuing to welcome legitimate refugees and immigrants who are willing to respect Canadian law."

"Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to pass The Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act. Once law, the Act would complement existing efforts by Canadian law enforcement to prevent human smuggling operations outside Canadian territory. This legislation would strengthen Canada's ability to prosecute human smugglers, deter those who would seek to jump the queue, and maintain the integrity and fairness of our immigration system."

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Date modified:

2015-11-20