Vancouver-area man recognized for dedication to helping prospective Canadians
in need

RICHMOND, BC, April 8 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) shined its member spotlight on Alex Ning today in recognition of his tireless efforts to help prospective immigrants in need of urgent assistance.

"Alex Ning has dedicated himself to helping detainees and refugee claimants that face persecution if they are sent back to their home country," said John Ryan, Chair and Acting CEO, CSIC. "Often these are the people with limited financial resources, but Alex does not turn away those in need. His selflessness is to be admired."

Ning first began helping people with immigration in the 1970s, when he volunteered with an organization that helped refugees bring their family members to Canada.

When Ning became a notary his reputation for providing quality immigration help followed him, and before long immigration services had become an important part of his practice.

While he took great satisfaction in helping prospective immigrants, before CSIC became the regulator of immigration consultants in 2004 he did not describe himself as an immigration consultant. Today, because CSIC holds members to high standards of competence and professional conduct, he considers himself part of a proud profession.

Ning continues to work as a British Columbia Notary Public while running a successful immigration consulting firm focused on helping detainees and refugee protection claimants, even when they have very limited financial resources. He also gives back to the profession by sitting on CSIC's Discipline Council and mentoring immigration consultants that are new to the profession.

"I feel compelled to help people who have given up on their dreams of becoming Canadian," said Ning. "I'm glad I've been able to spread my good fortune to others."

CSIC's member spotlight was created to highlight prominent members of the immigration consulting community, focusing on their achievement and contributions to the immigration consulting profession. The recipient of the member spotlight is nominated by CSIC members.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Photo of Alex Ning available upon request

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

For further information: Nancy Tibbo, [phone], Toll free: 1-866-308-CSIC (2252), [email protected], http://www.csic-scci.ca