Here are the recent Tribunal Actions by the College. Visit the Disciplinary Proceedings and Tribunal page to view the full decision.
• Pavel Lifanov, of PL Immigration Inc., in Concord, Ontario, had their licence permanently revoked following findings of professional misconduct by the Discipline Committee. The committee found that the RCIC engaged in multiple instances of serious misconduct, including participating in job selling schemes, knowingly allowing unlicensed staff to provide immigration consulting services, and failing to properly supervise staff. The RCIC misappropriated client trust funds and failed to return unearned fees. The RCIC failed to communicate adequately with clients and failed to properly terminate representation. The RCIC entered into an Agreed Statement of Facts and Joint Submission on Penalty with the College related to their admissions and violations. Prior to the settlement being considered by the committee, the RCIC was subject to an interim suspension ordered by the Discipline Committee. The RCIC is ordered to pay a fine of $15,000.
• Veronica Moye, of CanApprove Immigrations Services Limited in Vancouver, British Columbia, had their licence permanently revoked following findings of professional misconduct by the Discipline Committee. The committee found that the RCIC engaged in a systematic scheme of job-selling involving multiple clients. The RCIC knowingly allowed unlicensed staff members to provide immigration consulting services or advice to clients. Clients relied on improper advice and paid substantial fees, without receiving the services promised in the retainers. The RCIC was found responsible for the conduct of their employees and agents and for ensuring compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and professional obligations. The committee found the RCIC misappropriated funds and failed to deposit trust funds and/or issue invoices and receipts as required. The RCIC accepted payments for services that were not subsequently rendered, failed to communicate with clients in a timely, transparent, and effective manner and when the agreements were terminated, the RCIC failed to return the retainer funds. The RCIC entered into an Agreed Statement of Facts and the parties filed submissions on penalty and costs to the committee. The RCIC is ordered to pay restitution to four clients totalling $4,405, a fine of $50,000, and costs to the College in the amount of $41,850.
• Chidinma Ogonnaya Igboanugo, of Asheville Immigration & Educational Services in Newcastle, Ontario, appealed a Registrar’s decision regarding a relicensing request to the Registrar Appeal Committee. The Registrar had previously revoked Igboanugo’s licence for unpaid dues. The Appellant admitted in the appeal that they had not paid their fees, but submitted that the revocation of their license was unfair and disproportionate to their non-payment of fees. The College argued that the Registrar complied with their statutory obligations. The committee dismissed the appeal, finding that the Appellant failed to establish that the Registrar’s decision should be overturned as there was no evidence of a “palpable and overriding error” made in the Registrar’s decision. The committee finds the Registrar complied with their statutory obligations transparently and reasonably. Costs in the amount of $4,191 were awarded to the College.