We are pleased to share our final update of 2024 and a look ahead to what you can expect from CILA in 2025.
Stakeholder relations
Since November, CILA has corresponded with IRCC on numerous topics including IRPA reform, strengthening public protections for newcomers, our concerns about IRCC’s desire to introduce new AMPs on lawyers, how to improve backlogs at the IRB, and inaccurate information posted by IRCC on immigration representatives. CILA also posted public positions on Quebec’s Immigration Plan, recent changes to ICT work permits, was in the Toronto Star to discuss how to strengthen oversight of immigration consultants, and dispelled some myths on asylum claimants.
CILA also featured in interviews with CTV and Bloomberg on the impact of Trump on Canada-U.S. border and asylum policies. CILA welcomes participation from its members to represent us before the media. If you wish to be considered for a CILA spokesperson role, please email us here and inform us of which topics you have expertise on.
Sign up to our free upcoming CLEs!
Thursday, January 23 (Free CLE for CILA Members): “Navigating the Maze: Practical Tips & Strategies for C10/C11/C12 Work Permits,” sponsored by Visa Business Plans Canada. Join us for an insightful program that will equip immigration professionals with the tools they need to successfully navigate the complexities of work permits. Click here to sign up.
Wednesday, February 12 (Free CLE for CILA Members): “Heading East: Atlantic Immigration Programs”. Join us for an insightful session where immigration professionals will learn about the diverse immigration pathways available in Atlantic Canada and when it may be an ideal option for their clients. Sign up here.
Join us in Vancouver on Wednesday April 23, 2025 (free event)
CILA will be back on the West Coast in Spring 2025. Please save the date in your calendars and click here to register. This free event will be hosted at the lovely office of EY Law LLP in downtown Vancouver.
Thank you to our recent CLE presenters and buy our CLE recordings!
CILA thanks Deanna Okun-Nachoff, Joshua Schachnow, Parush Mann, Andra Dumitrescu, Mark Holthe, Mitratech INSZoom, Dr. Lisa Andermann, Norma Hannant, Pia Zambelli and Preevanda Sapru for their contributions to our most recent CLEs.
As a reminder, we are pleased to begin offering access to our CLE recordings. Webinar recordings are available to CILA members and those eligible to become members.
Purchase your desired recordings HERE. You can buy access for multiple attendees! Within 3 business days, you’ll receive a unique, non-shareable link to access the recording, along with any additional materials from our presenters (like PowerPoint slides). If you purchased access for multiple people, each will receive their own link. Feel free to buy multiple recordings at once – no expiration means you can watch at your convenience!
Send us your articles
CILA is proud to have published over 130 articles in 2024 thanks to the contributions of many of our members. These articles are key to demonstrating our thought-leadership to the government, media, and public. You are welcome to send us your submissions via our website here. We accept submissions on any topic of your choice and these articles are a great way to gain more experience (if you are a student or junior lawyer) as well as advocate for a stronger and fairer immigration system.
Complete our membership survey
CILA is committed to enhancing the value we deliver to members. We invite you to spend a few moments completing our first-ever membership survey. This survey will help to inform CILA’s strategy for 2025 and beyond.
Final thoughts
CILA acknowledges 2024 was a challenging year for the immigration system due to many significant policy changes. Nonetheless, we are very grateful to all of our members for supporting our ongoing efforts to promote access to justice and a better immigration system that grows our economy, reunites families, and provides humanitarian assistance.
We would like to wish all of you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. We look forward to reconnecting with all of you in the New Year.
