The federal government has proposed amendments to the Immigration Refugee Protection Regulations. The amendments allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizens Canada to issue monetary penalties against a representative (including a lawyer) in certain circumstances. We also draw to your attention that there is no coverage under your indemnity policy for penalties.
Find out more on the Government of Canada's website.
The Law Society and other organizations have written to the Minister of Immigration and other government officials opposing the extension of the regulations to lawyers who are already regulated by law societies, and particularly raising concerns about the effect on solicitor-client privilege and the preservation of an independent legal profession. The Law Society has proposed solutions to the government in its submissions.
See the Law Society's submissions.