CILA strongly opposes IRCC’s proposal to include immigration lawyers in its proposed reforms to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Citizenship Regulations.
CILA is calling on IRCC to exempt lawyers from its proposed Administrative Penalties and Consequences (APC) regime because it lacks the evidence-based justification demanded by the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Cabinet Directive on Regulation, overlooks existing sanctions under the IRPA, and does not recognize the rigorous accountability of law societies. Moreover, by imposing stringent penalties, a prejudicial procedure, and mandatory public disclosures on a profession already facing stringent regulation, IRCC jeopardizes not only the independence of the bar but also the public’s access to legal services—especially for vulnerable clients and vigorous legal advocacy.
CILA requests a more focused approach that respects the proven capabilities of law societies to regulate and, where necessary, discipline licensed lawyers. An evidence-based strategy that carefully delineates responsibilities between IRCC and law societies will serve the public interest far more effectively than a duplicative, burdensome APC regime that undermines the carefully balanced regulatory framework governing Canada’s legal profession.
- Click here to read our official submission to IRCC
- In addition, click here to read our letter to the IRCC and DOJ Ministers
Note that the positions reflected here do not necessarily reflect those of all CILA members.