OTTAWA, April 8, 2004 — Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced new regulations that will, on April 13, 2004, stipulate that the Government of Canada will only recognize an immigration representative who is a member of a self-regulating association.
“It is no secret that some individuals prey upon people who wish to come to Canada, by providing bad information and poor advice, and charging exorbitant fees,” said Minister Sgro. “With these new regulations, everyone will have access to accredited, qualified and ethical representation.”
The regulations, to be published on April 14, 2004, in the Canada Gazette, will define who may, for a fee, represent, advise or consult with an individual who is the subject of any application or proceeding related to their immigration or refugee status. Under the new regulations, only the following people may act as paid representatives:
- Immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants.
- Lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian law society and students-at-law under their supervision.
- Notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and students-at-law under their supervision.
Individuals with applications or proceedings already under way as of April 13, 2004, may continue to use the services of their paid representative until April 13, 2008
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