Government action to protect integrity of Canadian citizenship a wise move

TORONTO, June 11 /CNW/ - Today the Federal government announced a comprehensive plan to protect the integrity of Canadian citizenship, drawing praise from the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC).

"Immigration and citizenship are part of the process immigrants go through to live their dreams of making a better life in Canada," said CSIC Chair Nigel Thomson. "The government clearly understands the importance of protecting the integrity of both because it's taking decisive action to crack down on unscrupulous immigration consultants and unscrupulous citizenship consultants."

CSIC deals with immigration matters, which are distinct from citizenship. But immigration and citizenship are two key steps on the path to becoming Canadian, and CSIC often encounters complaints that concern citizenship fraud.

A key part of the proposal would introduce regulation to citizenship consultants, mirroring the introduction of regulation to immigration consultants through CSIC in 2004.

"At CSIC we work diligently to protect consumers and the integrity of the immigration system by holding our members to high educational and ethical standards. Holding citizenship consultants accountable will extend this crucial protection to Canadian citizenship," said Thomson.

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the professional regulatory body for Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants. Established in 2004 it currently has over 1,700 fully accredited members located throughout Canada and the world. 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. The best way to find a CCIC is via CSIC's toll free referral line, 1-877-311-7926.

For further information: Nancy Tibbo, 416-572-2800, Toll Free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2252), [email protected]