Minister Mendicino Announces Implementation of New Immigration Consultant Regulations
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino declared that the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act will take effect on December 9, 2020. This legislation establishes a formal framework for regulating immigration and citizenship consultants, designating the upcoming College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants as the official regulatory body nationwide.
November 26, 2020—Ottawa— The enactment signifies a major advance towards launching the new College, projected for 2021. This independent entity will oversee the profession, safeguarding public interest by shielding both the community and compliant consultants from unethical practices.
The College will operate under substantial governmental oversight to ensure public safety. The government will have the authority to implement a professional conduct code for the College’s licensees, determine the College Board’s composition, and appoint a majority of its directors.
This step fulfills the Minister’s commitment to advancing the establishment of a comprehensive governance system for immigration and citizenship consultants.
While enacting the Act is crucial, the College’s launch also depends on appointing government-elected public interest directors to its board. Interested individuals can find a notice of opportunity on the IRCC website.
The board’s responsibility is to oversee the College’s operations. The selection process for public interest directors is transparent, merit-based, and aims to ensure a diverse, qualified group of directors.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement reaffirms our Government’s commitment to implementing a new governance framework. We are taking decisive action to hold immigration and citizenship consultants accountable, enhancing oversight and protecting the public and ethical consultants from deceitful individuals.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick Facts
- The Canadian Government is continuously striving to protect newcomers and applicants from fraudulent consultants.
- The College Act originates from the 2019 Budget Implementation Act, aimed at improving consultant oversight in Canada.
- The College will possess the authority to regulate consultants, including investigating misconduct and disciplining licensees. This entails the power to inspect consultant premises for investigation purposes and compel witness testimonies before the Discipline Committee.
- The College can seek court injunctions against unauthorized individuals providing immigration advice.
- The College Board will manage the College’s activities and affairs.
- A Code of Conduct is under development to establish ethical and professional standards for all licensees.
Associated Links
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Alex Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
