WHAT'S NEW October 31 2003

Government Announces Creation Of A Self-Regulating Body For Immigration Consultants - October 31, 2003

The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), today announced the creation of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), a new, independent and self-regulating body for immigration consultants. The CSIC was incorporated on October 8, 2003.

"By April 2004, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants will be in a position to provide protection to vulnerable applicants, while enhancing public confidence in the Canadian immigration program," said Minister Coderre. "I am very pleased with the progress we've made to date."

In October 2002, the Minister appointed an advisory committee to provide recommendations for his consideration. The Report of the Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants was submitted in May 2003 following extensive consultations with organizations, institutions and individuals with expertise in providing immigration advice and services.

The recommendations of the report centred on the creation of a self-regulating body. In response, the Minister established, within CIC, the Secretariat on Regulating Immigration Consultants to implement the key recommendations, including the development of an action plan outlining a process to bring this new body into existence.

The Secretariat will also work closely with CSIC by providing advice and support to meet the April 2004 deadline. In addition, CSIC's first board of directors has already begun the work required to make CSIC fully operational.

After an initial term of two years, the Board will consist mainly of immigration consultants elected by members. Some individuals will be appointed by the Minister.

The incorporation of CSIC on October 8 was the first step in fulfilling Minister Coderre's vision of a fully regulated immigration consultant industry.

As of April 2004, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations will be amended. Thereafter, CIC and the Immigration and Refugee Board will conduct business with representatives who charge fees for services only if they are members in good standing of CSIC or a provincial or territorial law society.

"No one is obliged to hire an immigration consultant," said Minister Coderre. "However, for individuals who do, we want to make sure that the consultants meet the standards for knowledge, service quality and accountability."