|
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
|
