SEAN Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Tuesday announced the appointment of the following five public interest directors to the nine-member board of directors of College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants:
* Ben Rempel, Former Assistant Deputy Minister of Immigration, Manitoba
* Jennifer Henry, Senior Program Development and Strategy Lead, The United Church of Canada
* Normand Beaudry, Director of International Recruitment, Université Laval, and Treasurer/Member, CALDO Consortium
* Timothy D’Souza, Senior Vice President, Finance and Business Operations, Diabetes Canada
* Nicholas Summers, Former Provincial Director/CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission
Each of the public interest directors has been appointed for a two-year term, beginning March 7, 2022.
On November 23, 2021, the Government of Canada marked a major milestone in its commitment to strengthen the regulation of immigration and citizenship consultants, and to hold them to the highest possible professional standards with the opening of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants—the official regulator for immigration and citizenship consultants across Canada. The College, which licenses immigration and citizenship consultants to advise and represent immigration and citizenship clients in applications with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is self‑governed by a board of directors consisting of nine individuals.
The new College, including the appointment of public interest directors, increases government oversight of the consultant profession. These improvements will help better protect immigration and citizenship clients and strengthen the integrity of the consulting industry. The College is a key pillar in the government’s efforts to fight fraud in Canada’s immigration system.
Fraser said: “Last year, Canada welcomed a record number of newcomers, and we continue to welcome more and more people to the Canadian family each year. I’m confident that this new board of directors will help make sure that prospective newcomers have access to quality immigration advice and representation, and make sure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.”
Quick Facts
- The College’s board of directors will be comprised of five public interest directors appointed by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and four members of the College (consultants).
- The College is an arm’s-length institution, regulating the profession and protecting both the public and consultants in good standing from those who would take advantage of vulnerable people.
