Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants Applauds Quebec Government for
Protecting Immigrants

TORONTO, Feb. 18 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) applauds Quebec Immigration Minister Yolande James for taking bold action to protect consumers of immigration consulting services.

"We're thrilled that the Quebec government has made the regulation of immigration consultants a priority," said John Ryan, CSIC Chair and Acting CEO. "Consumers of immigration consulting services in the province of Quebec will now have access to a greater pool of competent immigration consultants who will be held accountable to strict rules of professional conduct."

Since 2004, only members of CSIC, a provincial bar, or a Quebec notary have been authorized to appear before the Federal government on behalf of a prospective immigrant or to advise a person with a pending application for immigration.

CSIC members, known as Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants (CCICs), are held to a strict code of professional conduct and must constantly develop their professional skills in order to stay abreast of issues that could affect their immigration practice and, ultimately, how they represent a client.

In addition, all CCICs must carry errors and omissions insurance and pay into a client compensation fund. Members are subject to a formal complaints process where every complaint is reviewed and every effort is made to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

"I look forward to working with the ministry, the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires du Québec so that prospective immigrants of Quebec can be afforded the same protections currently enjoyed by those who choose to use an accredited immigration consultant," said Ryan.

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada. Established in 2004 it currently has more than 1600 members. CSIC's mandate is to protect consumers of immigration consulting services. Consequently, it is responsible for ensuring the education, competency testing and the discipline of its members. CSIC also requires its members to carry errors and omissions insurance and to contribute to a compensation fund.

For further information: Nancy Tibbo, Communications Manager, [email protected], [phone], Toll free: 1-866-308-2742, ext. 2252