Quebec immigration minister ‘deeply shocked’ by more than 100 alleged fraud cases

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 09, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

Quebec’s immigration minister has called for a thorough review of the province’s immigration procedures after investigators uncovered more than 100 suspected cases involving the issuance of fraudulent immigration selection certificates.

Immigration and Integration Minister Catherine Gentilcore said she was deeply shocked by the findings, stressing that the integrity of the province’s immigration system must be protected.

The allegations involve 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 crucial document for immigrants seeking permanent residence through the province. Applicants generally need to secure the certificate before proceeding with their permanent residence application to the federal government.

Eligibility requirements include factors such as French-language proficiency, educational background and work experience.

Gentilcore said the government would verify whether the incidents were isolated and ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent similar cases from happening again.

The ministry also confirmed that Ida had not been employed there since 2019 and said it had since strengthened its internal controls and introduced measures to protect the integrity of its 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 raised questions about oversight within Quebec’s immigration system, particularly the safeguards governing the approval of applicants seeking provincial selection for permanent residency.