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\u2019re proud to share highlights from the past few months\u2014and give you a preview of what\u2019s coming next.<\/p>\n
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We\u2019re thrilled to announce that CILA\u2019s membership has now surpassed 550 lawyers and law students<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Reminder:<\/strong> CILA membership is completely free for law students<\/strong> and remains highly affordable for practicing lawyers. If you know someone who might benefit, encourage them to join here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In April, CILA hosted a vibrant networking event in downtown Vancouver, generously hosted by Jonathan Leebosh and colleagues at EY Law LLP<\/strong>. We were honoured to hear Jeevyn Dhaliwal, K.C.<\/strong>, speak on \u201cThe Future of the Legal Profession in Canada.\u201d<\/em> A huge thank you to CELPIP by Prometric<\/strong> and Dwyer Immigration Medical Services<\/strong> for sponsoring, and to all attendees who made the evening such a success.<\/p>\n CILA continued to offer thought-provoking and practical CLEs this quarter. Thank you to all our speakers and participants<\/strong> for making these sessions such a success:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa5 Missed one? Recordings are available for purchase here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mark your calendars for these exciting sessions:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Full details and registration: CILA Events<\/a><\/p>\n CILA\u2019s committees have been actively reviewing legislation, preparing submissions, and engaging with government processes.<\/p>\n The team is analyzing Bill C-2<\/strong>, tabled in May 2025, which proposes sweeping reforms to Canada\u2019s immigration detention framework\u2014shifting toward more community-based alternatives and enhancing oversight mechanisms. CILA will submit its recommendations when Parliament resumes in the fall.<\/p>\n The committee is also preparing a response to Bill C-3<\/strong>, aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of Lost Canadians<\/em>. Our submission to the House Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) is in the works and expected later this year.<\/p>\n Launched in March, Catalyst Canada<\/strong><\/a> is a new initiative by CILA\u2019s Canadian Business Immigration Committee (CBIC)<\/strong> aimed at improving entrepreneur, investor, and self-employed programs to better support Canada\u2019s economic goals.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0a Stay tuned for the continuation of the multi-part podcast series<\/strong> this summer, featuring insights from leading lawyers, economists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. A research report summarizing key findings will be released in the fall.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa Subscribe to the Catalyst Canada YouTube Channel<\/a> so you don\u2019t miss an episode.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Want to volunteer with CILA? Sign up here<\/a><\/p>\n CILA has been featured in Bloomberg<\/strong>, the Globe and Mail<\/strong>, the Toronto Star<\/strong>, and more. Check out our press coverage<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following the April 2025 federal election<\/strong>, we sent letters to the new Ministers of Immigration and Justice, voicing concerns about IRCC\u2019s proposed Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)<\/strong> on immigration lawyers. Read the letters<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a significant legal milestone, CILA was granted intervenor status<\/strong> in the Caruso v. LSO<\/em> 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<\/a><\/p>\n CILA is proud to publish original articles written by our members, covering everything from legal commentary to practice tips. October 28, 2025 \u2013 Downtown Toronto<\/strong> \ud83c\udf06 Don\u2019t miss our networking reception<\/strong> the evening before, October 27<\/strong>, and stay tuned for possible dinner plans after the reception!<\/p>\n\ud83c\udf07 Q2 Highlights \u2013 Events & CLEs<\/h3>\n
Vancouver Networking Event<\/h4>\n
CLEs & Annual General Meeting<\/h4>\n
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\ud83d\udcc6 Upcoming CLEs<\/h4>\n
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\u2696\ufe0f Committee Advocacy<\/h3>\n
C-2 Committee<\/h4>\n
Citizenship Committee<\/h4>\n
\ud83d\udcbc Catalyst Canada \u2013 Business Immigration in Focus<\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udcf0 Media & Legal Advocacy<\/h3>\n
Caruso v. Law Society of Ontario<\/h4>\n
\u270d\ufe0f Member Articles<\/h3>\n
\n\ud83d\udcda Read the latest: CILA News<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udcdd Want to contribute? Submit here<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf89 What\u2019s Next?<\/h3>\n
\ud83d\udccdCILA Conference 2025 \u2013 From Policy to Port of Entry<\/em><\/h4>\n
\nJoin us for a full day of networking, expert panels, and engaging dialogue on the future of Canadian immigration law.<\/p>\n