The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) has had an incredibly productive and inspiring second quarter of 2025. From exciting member growth to impactful continuing legal education (CLE) sessions, committee advocacy, and national media engagement, we’re proud to share highlights from the past few months—and give you a preview of what’s coming next.
🚀 Membership Growth
We’re thrilled to announce that CILA’s membership has now surpassed 550 lawyers and law students across Canada. Our continued growth reflects the strength of our community and the rising importance of independent, member-driven voices in shaping Canadian immigration policy and practice.
👉 Reminder: CILA membership is completely free for law students and remains highly affordable for practicing lawyers. If you know someone who might benefit, encourage them to join here.
🌇 Q2 Highlights – Events & CLEs
Vancouver Networking Event
In April, CILA hosted a vibrant networking event in downtown Vancouver, generously hosted by Jonathan Leebosh and colleagues at EY Law LLP. We were honoured to hear Jeevyn Dhaliwal, K.C., speak on “The Future of the Legal Profession in Canada.” A huge thank you to CELPIP by Prometric and Dwyer Immigration Medical Services for sponsoring, and to all attendees who made the evening such a success.
CLEs & Annual General Meeting
CILA continued to offer thought-provoking and practical CLEs this quarter. Thank you to all our speakers and participants for making these sessions such a success:
- April 2: Understanding the Convention Refugee Definition: Essential UNHCR Guidance
- April 9: Canadian Citizenship by Descent
- April 16: The AI Toolbox: Custom GPTs, Deep Research, CoPilot, and Practical AI Applications and Prompts
- May 7: Expand your Services with Global Residence and Citizenship Solutions (Henley & Partners)
- May 21: Ethical and Legal Considerations of the Practice of U.S. Immigration Law in Canada
- June 11: CILA’s 2025 AGM
- June 25: Best Practices for Drafting Refugee BOC Narratives
🎥 Missed one? Recordings are available for purchase here.
📆 Upcoming CLEs
Mark your calendars for these exciting sessions:
- August 13: Tax Implications and Considerations for Immigrants
- September 10: Global Travel Rule – New European Rules: A Look into ETIAs
- October 22: PNPs Compared: Western Canada
👉 Full details and registration: CILA Events
⚖️ Committee Advocacy
CILA’s committees have been actively reviewing legislation, preparing submissions, and engaging with government processes.
C-2 Committee
The team is analyzing Bill C-2, tabled in May 2025, which proposes sweeping reforms to Canada’s immigration detention framework—shifting toward more community-based alternatives and enhancing oversight mechanisms. CILA will submit its recommendations when Parliament resumes in the fall.
Citizenship Committee
The committee is also preparing a response to Bill C-3, aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of Lost Canadians. Our submission to the House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) is in the works and expected later this year.
💼 Catalyst Canada – Business Immigration in Focus
Launched in March, Catalyst Canada is a new initiative by CILA’s Canadian Business Immigration Committee (CBIC) aimed at improving entrepreneur, investor, and self-employed programs to better support Canada’s economic goals.
🔊 Stay tuned for the continuation of the multi-part podcast series this summer, featuring insights from leading lawyers, economists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. A research report summarizing key findings will be released in the fall.
📺 Subscribe to the Catalyst Canada YouTube Channel so you don’t miss an episode.
💡 Want to volunteer with CILA? Sign up here
📰 Media & Legal Advocacy
CILA has been featured in Bloomberg, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and more. Check out our press coverage.
Following the April 2025 federal election, we sent letters to the new Ministers of Immigration and Justice, voicing concerns about IRCC’s proposed Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) on immigration lawyers. Read the letters.
Caruso v. Law Society of Ontario
In a significant legal milestone, CILA was granted intervenor status in the Caruso v. LSO case before the Ontario Court of Appeal. At issue is whether the scope of immigration practice for paralegals in Ontario should be expanded. More on the case
✍️ Member Articles
CILA is proud to publish original articles written by our members, covering everything from legal commentary to practice tips.
📚 Read the latest: CILA News
📝 Want to contribute? Submit here
🎉 What’s Next?
📍CILA Conference 2025 – From Policy to Port of Entry
October 28, 2025 – Downtown Toronto
Join us for a full day of networking, expert panels, and engaging dialogue on the future of Canadian immigration law.
🌆 Don’t miss our networking reception the evening before, October 27, and stay tuned for possible dinner plans after the reception!
👉 Conference details and registration:
https://cila.co/events/cila-conference-2025-from-policy-to-port-of-entry-navigating-canadas-immigration-system
Thank you to our incredible members, volunteers, and supporters for keeping CILA thriving. Whether you’re attending events, writing articles, volunteering, or engaging in committee work—you’re helping shape a stronger immigration system for Canada.
