Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 01/02) - Judge Brian Bruser was lenient in sentencing an illegal immigrant working in Yellowknife under a false identity, but also condemned her "deliberate fraudulent" behaviour.

"Deceit such as this is a slap in the face of our country," Bruser said, scolding Milagros Cabarrubias.

The 43-year-old woman was sentenced to one day in jail - served as time spent in court - and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to working in Canada without authorization and using an improperly obtained passport to enter the country.

The facts of the case, as admitted by Cabarrubias' lawyer Kelly Payne, go back to the early 1990's.

Cabarrubias worked in Taiwan for two years as a caregiver.

She moved home to the Philippines after her two-year contract was up.

While in Taiwan -- this time on a second stint under a false identity -- she was contacted by a friend and former co-worker in Yellowknife earlier this year, who offered her a job as a caregiver.

The friend, and her husband, then sponsored Cabarrubias to work in Canada under the false identity.

After two months of employment here, RCMP received a tip that Cabarrubias was working in Canada under a false name and should be investigated.

Cabarrubias now faces an immigration hearing.

She also indicated that her friend was aware of her false identity.

Her Yellowknife employer and friend is facing criminal and immigration charges.

Her next court appearance is set for Nov. 12.