Inaugural Research Symposium


About the event  

Our inaugural Research Symposium, held on October 6, 2023, brought together a diverse group of industry experts, advocates and thought leaders from within Canada, Australia and New Zealand to discuss the evolving landscape of immigration and its regulatory affairs.  

At the event, we discussed topics such as integrating Canada’s global talent, the impact of science and collaboration on the integrity of the regulatory system, migration governance and the challenges of data maximization. The dialogues and insights from the symposium form the blueprint for positive change as we strive to safeguard the life cycle of immigration. 

“We are optimistic about the meaningful changes, collaborative partnerships and actionable solutions that have emerged from our inaugural symposium. Our approach is rooted in value-based regulation, with the public’s interest at the forefront”, said John Murray, President & CEO of the College of Immigrations and Citizenship Consultants. 

Thank you to all who contributed to this symposium’s success. Your unique perspectives and expertise formed the bedrock of our shared commitments. We look forward to the continued collaboration and positive impact of our efforts.  

Meet our 2023 Speakers

Beata Pawlowska, PhD

Director, Professional Standards, Research, Education and Policy, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, Canada

Cassandra Barber, PhD

Research Associate, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, Canada

Duncan Connor

National Manager, Occupational Regulation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Registrar, Immigration Advisers Authority, New Zealand

Emily Winch

Senior Director, Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, Department of Home Affairs, Australia

Luanshya Bakes

Principal Advisor, Occupational Regulation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Immigration Advisers Authority, New Zealand

Marshia Akbar, PhD

Research Lead on Labour Migration, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

Melissa Payne

Director, Membership, Research and Learning, Canadian Bureau for International Education, Canada.

Younes Ahouga, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

Event Gallery


Resources and Presentations

  • The New Normal: The Impact of Science and Collaboration on the Integrity of the Regulatory Ecosystem - Beata Pawlowska, PhD, Director, Professional Standards, Research, Education and Policy, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, Canada.
  • Current Observations and Challenges for NZ Immigration Advisors Authority  - Duncan Connor, National Manager, Occupational Regulation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Registrar, Immigration Advisers Authority, New Zealand, and Luanshya Bakes, Principal Advisor, Occupational Regulation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Immigration Advisers Authority, New Zealand.
  • Migration Governance and the Challenges of Data MaximizationYounes Ahouga, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada.
  • The Student Voice Unpacking the 2021 CBIE International Student SurveyMelissa Payne, Director, Membership, Research and Learning, Canadian Bureau for International Education, Canada.
  • Integrating Canada’s Global Talent: An Examination of Policy and Governance Marshia Akbar, PhD, Research Lead on Labour Migration, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada.
  • Registered Migration Agents: Challenges of Building Regulatory Capabilities Under Scrutiny, the Australian StoryEmily Winch, Senior Director, Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
  • Social Accountability Framework in Professional Regulation and ResearchBeata Pawlowska, PhD, Director, Professional Standards, Research, Education and Policy, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, Canada, and Cassandra Barber, PhD, Research Associate, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, Canada.