CSIC Investigates Members Profiled in Radio-Canada Program

TORONTO , Sept. 29 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is undertaking an investigation into three of its members who were profiled in an undercover investigative report by Radio-Canada.

"The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants investigates all allegations raised about any of its members. CSIC expects its members to operate to the highest of ethical standards and to ensure consumers of immigration consulting services are properly protected," said John Ryan , Chair and Acting CEO. "We are deeply concerned about the allegations raised in the Radio-Canada report and, as a result, we are investigating," said Mr. Ryan .

CSIC's role and responsibility is to protect consumers of immigration consulting services through the accreditation and education of its members. Every CSIC member must adhere to strict rules of professional conduct. Any member found in contravention of these rules could be subject to disciplinary action; a practice similar to that of other regulatory bodies. Members who are found in breach of CSIC's Rules of Professional Conduct may be subject to a range of disciplinary action including having their membership revoked or suspended. Last year, 27% (http://www.csic-scci.ca/content/annual_reports) of all complaints investigated resulted in a member's suspension. As with any investigation, members are notified of the allegations and required to respond promptly.

"Immigration fraud is a serious matter and CSIC is committed to working with the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism on measures to crack down on immigration fraud. We are confident that the Minister will introduce measures to counteract the problem shortly," said Ryan.

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada . Established in 2004 it currently has close to 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, [phone], Toll free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2252), [email protected], http://www.csic-scci.ca