CSIC applauds Quebec government's positive move to protect its consumers by
regulating immigration consultants.

TORONTO, Nov. 4 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) launched an information campaign to promote the Quebec government's positive move to protect its consumers by regulating immigration consultants.

Starting today, Québec's new regulation concerning immigration consultants is in force. All immigration consultants dealing with the government of Quebec have until February 2, 2011 to register with the province and obtain certification from the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC); those that do not will be shut out of the Quebec immigration process by the government.

"The government of Quebec is to be applauded for taking action to protect its citizens through the regulation of immigration consultants and CSIC wanted to lend its support of the regulation by creating the highest possible incidence of awareness amongst the general public," said John Ryan, CEO, CSIC. "CSIC members are dedicated to protecting the hopes and dreams of prospective immigrants who want to make Quebec their home and we are pleased that the Quebec government has expressed their confidence in us through the implementation of their regulations."

Since its inception in 2004 CSIC has dedicated itself to establishing the credibility of the immigration consulting profession and providing much-needed consumer protection to prospective immigrants. Quebec's decision to include CSIC members, known as Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants in the new regulations is a testament to the ongoing success of CSIC as a regulator.

"The government of Quebec has gone beyond mandating CSIC membership in order to protect its consumers and our information campaign seeks to ensure that everyone is aware of the requirements being imposed by the Quebec government," added Ryan.

CSIC is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada. Established in 2004 it currently has close to 1800 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, 416-572-2800, Toll Free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2252), [email protected]