2011 FC 1435, 2011 FC 1435

[2013] 3 F.C.R. 488 IMM-5039-11 2011 FC 1435 The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants ( Applicant ) v . The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration ( Respondent ) Indexed as: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) Federal Court, Martineau, J.—Toronto, October 6; Ottawa, December 8, 2011. * Editor’s note: This decision has been affirmed on appeal ( 2012 FCA 194 ), reasons for judgment handed down June 25, 2012.

Citizenship and Immigration — Immigration Practice — Immigration consultants — Regulatory body — Judicial review challenging legality of enactments resulting in applicant’s designation as regulator of immigration consultants being revoked, new regulator designated — Applicant independent body regulating immigration consultants — In response to complaints, Parliament committee recommending, inter alia, stand-alone legislation to re-establish applicant as independent body regulating immigration consultants — That recommendation never carried out — Bill C-35 tabled, amending manner of regulating third parties in immigration processes, allowing Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to revoke or designate regulatory body under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), s. 91 — Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) recommended as new regulator — Minister revoking applicant’s designation — Applicant submitting, inter alia, Minister exceeding jurisdiction — Whether process leading to impugned enactments fair, transparent — Impugned enactments authorized by statute — Case herein not egregious — Executive branch making policy decision endorsed by Parliament — Applicant challenging decision-making power by “regulation” — Revocation of regulatory designation not affecting individual rights — Terminating regulatory mandate of applicant, designating ICCRC “legislative” action — Duty of fairness, legitimate expectations not applicable — Maintenance of public confidence in immigration system sufficient to dispose of allegations of improper purposes — Minister entitled to consider other factors — Selection of regulator legitimate policy choice based on delegated legislative authority — Procedural fairness not breached — Requirements provided for in Statutory Instruments Act complied with — Minister could exercise s. 91 powers prior to their coming into force — Application dismissed.

Administrative Law — Judicial Review — Applicant challenging legality of enactments resulting in applicant’s designation as regulator of immigration consultants being revoked, new regulator designated — Intervention not warranted to uphold rule of law — Issue how to review policy decisions, regulations revoking power of regulatory body, transferring same to other regulatory body selected by Executive branch — Decision to allow by regulation self-regulating mode over direct licensing by board created by statute policy choice by Government not judicially reviewable.

Construction of Statutes — Applicant challenging legality of enactments resulting in applicant’s designation as regulator of immigration consultants being revoked, new regulator designated — Whether Order in issue statutory instrument falling within Statutory Instruments Act , s. 2(1) definition of “regulation” — Order not “legislative” — Order published in Canada Gazette prior to registration as “statutory instrument, other than a regulation” — Order thus complying with procedural requirement set out in Statutory Instruments Act — Minister able to exercise Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 91 powers prior to their coming into force — Word “enactment” in

Interpretation Act , s. 7 not necessarily enabling statute in entirety, but also provisions conferring power to make regulations, such as Ministerial Regulations designating regulator. This was an application for judicial review challenging the legality of the Governor in Council’s Order Fixing June 30, 2011 as the Day on which

Chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2011, Comes into Force (SI/2011-57) (GIC Order), the Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2011-129), and the Regulations Designating a Body for the Purposes of Paragraph 91(2)(

c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (SOR/2011-142) (Ministerial Regulations). The applicant was a corporation without share capital constituted to fulfill the role of an independent body that regulated immigration consultants who advise, consult with, and represent individuals involved in proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

In response to complaints regarding unacceptable practices by immigration consultants, a Parliamentary standing committee recommended, inter alia , that the Government introduce stand-alone legislation to re-establish the applicant as a non-share capital corporation, to assist in re-establishing the new regulator, and to remain involved in its affairs until it became fully functioning. That recommendation was never carried out.

Instead, the Government chose to table An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Bill C-35), which would amend the manner of regulating third parties in immigration processes and provide specific authority to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to revoke or designate the regulatory body for immigration consultants under the new

section 91 of IRPA. A public selection process was also launched to identify a regulator of immigration consultants. The Minister invited interested candidate entities to make submissions which set out how they responded to the identified selection factors, i.e. competence, integrity, accountability, viability and good governance. A selection committee recommended that the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) be designated as the new regulator of immigration consultants.

After the applicant unsuccessfully sought to stay the decision of the Minister to revoke its designation as the regulator of immigration consultants, the impugned enactments were made and registered so that they could become law on the coming into force of Bill C-35. On June 30, 2011, concurrently with the coming into force of Bill C-35, the applicant’s designation as the regulator of the immigration consultants was revoked.

The applicant contended, inter alia , that the Governor in Council and the Minister exceeded their jurisdiction and acted ultra vires their regulation-making authority under the Act for abuse of statutory discretion because the impugned decisions were not made in good faith and with impartiality; the Minister’s revocation of the applicant’s designation was vitiated for breach of procedural fairness; the GIC Order is of no force and effect because it was not registered within seven days after it was made and thereby failed to comply with

section 9 of the Statutory Instruments Act (SIA); and the Ministerial Regulations are invalid in law because they were made prior to the

date on which Bill C-35 granting the Minister statutory authority to make such regulations came into effect. At issue was whether the process that led to the impugned enactments was fair and transparent. Held , the application should be dismissed. The impugned enactments were authorized by statute, the conditions for their enactment were respected and there were no improper purposes or motives in revoking the designation of the applicant as the regulator of immigration consultants and in designating the ICCRC as the new regulator.

This was not an egregious case where intervention was warranted to uphold the rule of law, and the duty to consult was satisfied. In choosing not to follow the Parliamentary standing committee recommendation, the Executive branch made a policy decision that was ultimately endorsed by Parliament. What the applicant truly challenged was the exercise of a discretionary decision-making power by “regulation”.

Specifically, the question to be answered was how to review policy decisions and regulations revoking the power of a regulatory body to license individuals and transferring this power to another regulatory body selected by the Executive after a call for submissions. The duty to act fairly and the doctrine of legitimate expectations were not applicable in the circumstances of this case. The applicant assimilated the revocation of its regulatory designation as if it was some sort of “decision” made by the Government adversely affecting the rights of an individual who makes a living, but such was not the case.

Parliament has full plenary power to create federal boards, commissions, tribunals or other bodies invested with the quasi-judicial or regulatory powers conferred to them by legislation. In the case of immigration consultants, allowing by regulation the self-regulating mode over direct licensing by a board created by statute was a policy choice made by the Government that is not judicially reviewable. The decision to terminate the regulatory mandate of the applicant by regulation and to designate in lieu and place the ICCRC by way of the Ministerial Regulations was a “legislative” action.

The maintenance of public confidence in the immigration system, as described in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement that accompanied the Ministerial Regulations , was a valid consideration and was sufficient to dispose of the allegations of improper purposes or motives. The Minister was entitled to take into consideration relevant and valid factors other than those previously considered and assessed by the selection committee or the Parliamentary standing committee.

The selection of a single regulator of immigration consultants undertaken according to merit-based or other selection criteria was a legitimate policy choice based on a delegated legislative authority when the Ministerial Regulations were enacted. The applicant had the opportunity to put its position forward and to provide input regarding the policy making process that led to its replacement. This was sufficient to dismiss the allegations of breach of procedural fairness. Finally, the procedural requirements provided for in the SIA were complied with in the case of the GIC Order.

While the GIC Order constitutes a “statutory instrument”, the issue was whether it falls within the definition of “regulation” found in subsection 2(1) of the SIA. The GIC Order cannot be “legislative”: it does not establish a rule of conduct, does not have force of law, and does not apply to an undetermined number of persons. In addition, the GIC Order was published in

Part II of the Canada Gazette pursuant to paragraph 11(3) (

g) of the SIA before it was registered as a “statutory instrument, other than a regulation” by the Clerk of the Privy Council, as required by paragraph 6 (

b) of the SIA. As to the Ministerial Regulations , the power given to the Minister by the new

section 91 of IRPA could be exercised prior to the coming into force of IRPA for the purpose of making the Ministerial Regulations effective at the commencement date. In fact, a careful reading of both the English and French versions of

section 7 of the

Interpretation Act shows that what is intended by the word “enactment” therein is not necessarily the enabling statute in its entirety, but also the provisions conferring power to make regulations, which includes the purported regulations themselves. STATUTES AND REGULATIONS CITED An Act respecting immigration to Québec , R.S.Q., c. I-0.2, s. 3.3( k ),( l ),( m ),( n ),( o ),( p ),( q ). An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , S.C. 2011, c. 8, ss. 1, 7 . Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. B-3, s. 1 (as am. by S.C. 1992, c. 27, s. 2). Canada Corporations Act , R.S.C. 1970, c. C-32,

Part II. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms , being

Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982 ,

Schedule B, Canada Act 1982 , 1982, c. 11 (U.K.) [R.S.C., 1985, Appendix II, No. 44]. Constitution Act, 1867 , 30 & 31 Vict., c. 3 (U.K.) (as am. by Canada Act 1982 , 1982, c. 11 (U.K.),

Schedule to the Constitution Act, 1982 , Item 1) [R.S.C., 1985, Appendix II, No. 5], ss. 95, 96. Federal Courts Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. F-7, ss. 1 (as am. by S.C. 2002, c. 8 , s. 14), 18 (as am. by S.C. 1990, c. 8, s. 4; 2002, c. 8, s. 26 ), 28 (as am. idem , s. 35 ). Federal Courts Rules , SOR/98-106, rr. 1 (as am. by SOR/2004-283, s. 2), 466-472. Immigration Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. I-2, s. 114(1)( v ) (as am. by R.S.C., 1985 (4th Supp.), c. 28, s. 29).

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , S.C. 2001, c. 27, ss. 4 (as am. by S.C. 2008, c. 3, s. 1 ), 5 (as am. idem , s. 2 ), 14, 91 (as am. by S.C. 2011, c. 8, s. 1 ). Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations , SOR/2002-227, ss. 2 “authorized representative” (as enacted by SOR/2004-59, s. 1; rep. by SOR/2011-129, s. 1), 10(2)( c .1) (as am. idem , s. 2), ( c .2) (as am. idem ), 13.1 (as enacted by SOR/2004-59, s. 3; rep. by SOR/2011-129, s. 3).

Interpretation Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. I-21, s. 7.

Order Fixing June 30, 2011 as the Day on which

Chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2011, Comes into Force, SI/2011-57. Regulation respecting immigration consultants, R.R.Q., c. I-0.2, r. 0.1, s. 4. Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, SOR/2011-129. Regulations Designating a Body for the Purposes of Paragraph 91(2)(

c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, SOR/2011-142. Statutory Instruments Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. S-22, ss. 2(1) “regulation”, “statutory instruments”, 6(b) (as am. by S.C. 1993, c. 34, s.113(F)), 9. Statutory Instruments Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1509, s. 11(3)(g) (as enacted by SOR/89-247, s. 1). CASES CITED considered: Mooney v. Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, 2011 FC 496, 235 C.R.R. (2d) 41, 389 F.T.R. 8, 99 Imm. L.R. (3d) 198;Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2011 FC 669, 391 F.T.R. 100, 100 Imm. L.R.(3d) 223; U.E.S., Local 298 v.

Bibeault, (SCC), [1988] 2 S.C.R. 1048, (1988), 35 Admin. L.R. 153, 89 CLLC 12372;British Columbia v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., 2005 SCC 49, [2005] 2 S.C.R. 473, 257 D.L.R. (4th) 193, [2006] 1 W.W.R. 201;Dunsmuir v. New Brunswick, 2008 SCC 9, [2008] 1 S.C.R. 190, 329 N.B.R. (2d) 1, 291 D.L.R. (4th) 577; Roncarelli v. Duplessis, (SCC), [1959] S.C.R. 121, (1959), 16 D.L.R. (2d) 689; Canadian Council for Refugees v. Canada, 2008 FCA 229, [2009] 3F.C.R. 136, 74 Admin. L.R. (4th) 79, 73 Imm. L.R. (3d) 159; Canada (Wheat Board) v.

Canada (Attorney General), 2009 FCA 214,[2010] 3 F.C.R. 374, 392 N.R. 149; Oberlander v. Canada (Attorney General), 2004 FCA 213, [2005] 1 F.C.R. 3, 241 D.L.R. (4th) 146,320 N.R. 366; Reference Re Public Service Employee Relations Act (Alta.), (SCC), [1987] 1 S.C.R. 313, (1987), 78 A.R.1, 38 D.L.R. (4th) 161; C.U.P.E. v. Ontario (Minister of Labour), 2003 SCC 29, [2003] 1 S.C.R. 539, 226 D.L.R. (4th) 193, 50 Admin.L.R. (3d) 1; de Guzman v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), 2005 FCA 436, [2006] 3 F.C.R. 655, 262 D.L.R. (4th) 13,42 Admin. L.R. (4th) 234; Pharmascience Inc. v.

Binet, 2006 SCC 48, [2006] 2 S.C.R. 513, 273 D.L.R. (4th) 193, 353 N.R. 343;Attorney General of Canada et al. v. Law Society of British Columbia et al., (SCC), [1982] 2 S.C.R. 307, (1982), 137D.L.R. (3d) 1, [1982] 5 W.W.R. 289; Mount Sinai Hospital Center v. Quebec (Minister of Health and Social Services), 2001 SCC 41,[2001] 2 S.C.R. 281, 200 D.L.R. (4th) 193, 36 Admin. L.R. (3d) 71; Canadian Pacific Railway Co. v.

Vancouver (City), 2006 SCC 5,[2006] 1 S.C.R. 227, 262 D.L.R. (4th) 454, 221 B.C.A.C. 1; Reference re Manitoba Language Rights, (SCC), [1992] 1S.C.R. 212, (1992), 88 D.L.R. (4th) 385, [1992] 2 W.W.R. 385. referred to: International Assn. of Immigration Practitioners v. Canada, 2004 FC 630; Law Society of Upper Canada v. Canada (Minister ofCitizenship and Immigration), 2008 FCA 243, [2009] 2 F.C.R. 466, 295 D.L.R. (4th) 488, 72 Imm. L.R. (3d) 26; Onuschak v. CanadianSociety of Immigration Consultants, 2009 FC 1135, 3 Admin. L.R. (5th) 214, 357 F.T.R. 22, 86 Imm. L.R. (3d) 78; Canada (HumanRights Commission) v.

Canadian Liberty Net, (SCC), [1998] 1 S.C.R. 626, (1998), 157 D.L.R. (4th) 385, 6 Admin.L.R. (3d) 1; Reference re Secession of Quebec, (SCC), [1998] 2 S.C.R. 217, (1998), 161 D.L.R. (4th) 385, 55 C.R.R.(2d) 1, 228 N.R. 203; Law Society of British Columbia v. Mangat, 2001 SCC 67, [2001] 3 S.C.R. 113, 205 D.L.R. (4th) 577, [2002] 2W.W.R. 201; United Taxi Drivers’ Fellowship of Southern Alberta v. Calgary (City), 2004 SCC 19, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 485, 346 A.R. 4,236 D.L.R. (4th) 385; Brown v.

British Columbia (Minister of Transportation and Highways), (SCC), [1994] 1 S.C.R.420, (1994), 112 D.L.R. (4th) 1, [1994] 4 W.W.R. 194; R. v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., 2011 SCC 42, [2011] 3 S.C.R. 45, 335D.L.R. (4th) 513, [2011] 11 W.W.R. 215; Attorney General of Canada v. Inuit Tapirisat of Canada et al., (SCC), [1980]2 S.C.R. 735, (1980), 115 D.L.R. (3d) 1, 33 N.R. 304; Thorne’s Hardware Ltd. et al. v. The Queen et al., (SCC), [1983]1 S.C.R. 106, (1983), 143 D.L.R. (3d) 577, 46 N.R. 91; Canadian Assn. of Regulated Importers v. Canada (Attorney General), (FCA), [1994] 2 F.C. 247, (1994), 17 Admin.

L.R. (2d) 121, 164 N.R. 342 (C.A.); Jafari v. Canada (Minister ofEmployment and Immigration), (FCA), [1995] 2 F.C. 595, (1995), 125 D.L.R. (4th) 141, 30 Imm. L.R. (2d) 139(C.A.); Mercier v. Canada (Correctional Service), 2010 FCA 167, [2012] 1 F.C.R. 72, 320 D.L.R. (4th) 429, 404 N.R. 275; HomexRealty and Development Co. Ltd. v. Corporation of the Village of Wyoming, (SCC), [1980] 2 S.C.R. 1011, (1980), 116D.L.R. (3d) 1, 13 M.P.L.R. 234; Old St. Boniface Residents Assn. Inc. v. Winnipeg (City), (SCC), [1990] 3 S.C.R. 1170,(1990), 75 D.L.R. (4th) 385, [1991] 2 W.W.R. 145; Ocean Port Hotel Ltd. v.

British Columbia (General Manager, Liquor Control andLicensing Branch), 2001 SCC 52, [2001] 2 S.C.R. 781, 204 D.L.R. (4th) 33, [2001] 10 W.W.R. 1; Reference re Canada Assistance Plan(B.C.), (SCC), [1991] 2 S.C.R. 525, (1991), 83 D.L.R. (4th) 297, [1991] 6 W.W.R. 1; Apotex Inc. v. Canada (AttorneyGeneral), (FCA), [2000] 4 F.C. 264, (2000), 188 D.L.R. (4th) 145, 24 Admin. L.R. (3d) 279 (C.A.); Bristol-MyersSquibb Co. v.

Canada (Attorney General), 2005 SCC 26, [2005] 1 S.C.R. 533, 253 D.L.R. (4th) 1, 39 C.P.R. (4th) 449; Saputo Inc. v.Canada (Attorney General), 2009 FC 1016, [2010] 4 F.C.R. 274, 353 F.T.R. 67, affd 2011 FCA 69, [2012] 4 F.C.R. 519, 414 N.R. 45,leave to appeal to S.C.C. refused, [2011] 3 S.C.R. x; Begg v. Canada (Minister of Agriculture), 2005 FCA 362, 261 D.L.R. (4th) 36, 341N.R. 314; Criminal Law Amendment Act, Reference, (SCC), [1970] S.C.R. 777, (1970), 10 D.L.R. (3d) 699, 74W.W.R. 167. authors cited Blake, Sara. Administrative Law in Canada. 4th ed. Markham, Ont.: LexisNexis Canada, 2006.

Bryson, Alex and Morris M. Kleiner. “The Regulation of Occupations” (2010), 48 British Journal of Industrial Relations 670. Canada. Report of the Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants, presented to the Minister of Citizenship andImmigration, May 2003, online: <http://ww.csic-scci.ca/images/File/Report%20of%20the%20Advisory%20Committee%20on%20Regulating%20Immigration%20Consultants-new.pdf>.

Casey, James T. The Regulation of Professions in Canada . Toronto: Carswell, 1994. Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Report of the Selection Committee – Assessment of proposals from candidates interested in becoming the regulator of immigration consultants, January 27, 2011, online: <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/selection/index.asp>. “Cleaning the sleaze out of immigration consulting”, National Post (May 26, 2010), online: <http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/05/26/cleaning-the-sleaze-out-of-immigration-consulting/>. Government Notices, C.

Gaz. 2010.I.1502, online: <http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-06-12/pdf/g1-14424.pdf>. Government Notices, C. Gaz. 2010.I.2308, online: <http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-08-28/pdf/g1-14435.pdf>. House of Commons Canada. Regulating Immigration Consultants: Report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration , online: <http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/392/CIMM/Reports/RP3560686/cimmrp10/cimmrp10-e.pdf>.

News Release – Minister Kenney introduces legislation to crack down on crooked immigration consultants, online: <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2010/2010-06-08.asp>. Ontario. Royal Commission Inquiry into Civil Rights. Report of the Royal Commission Inquiry into Civil Rights , Report No. 1, Vol. 3. Toronto: Queen’s Printer, 1968 (James C. McRuer, Commissioner), online: <http://archive.org/details/royalcommissioni03onta>. Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, C. Gaz. 2011.I.988. Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, SOR/2011-142, C. Gaz. 2011.II.1415.

Speaking notes for The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants, online: <http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/speeches/2010/2010-06-08.asp>. Sullivan, Ruth. Sullivan on the Construction of Statutes , 5th ed. Markham, Ont.: LexisNexis Canada, 2008. appLication for judicial review challenging the legality of enactments revoking the applicant’s designation as the regulator of immigration consultants and designating a new regulator. Application dismissed.

APPEARANCES John Callaghan, Benjamin Na and Guy Régimbald for applicant. Marianne Zoric, Catherine Vasilaros and Neal Samson for respondent. SOLICITORS OF RECORD Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP , Toronto, for applicant. Deputy Attorney General of Canada for respondent. The following are the reasons for judgment and judgment rendered in English by [ 1 ] Martineau J.: This application invites the Court to address the scope of judicial review of regulations dealing with immigration consultants in light of such fundamental principles and Canadian values, as the rule of law and the separation of powers. I.

INTRODUCTION [ 2 ] The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), the applicant in this judicial review, is a corporation without share capital constituted on October 8, 2003 under

Part II of the Canada Corporations Act , R.S.C. 1970, c.

C-32 to fulfill the role of an independent self-regulating body and which operates at arm’s length from the Government. [ 3 ] The letters patent of the applicant provide that it shall regulate immigration consultants in the public interest and in so doing shall establish a code of conduct, a complaint and disciplinary procedure, an educational program, and a compensation fund with respect to acts and omissions of its members. [ 4 ] From April 13, 2004 to June 30, 2011, the applicant has acted as the sole regulatory body of immigration consultants in Canada whose members are legally authorized to advise, consult with, and represent individuals involved in proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , S.C. 2001, c. 27 (the Act) and its regulations: sections 2 [definition of “authorized representative”] and 13.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations , SOR/2002-227 (IRPR), as modified by SOR/2004-59 (the 2004 Regulations). [ 5 ] The applicant challenges the legality of the following enactments: (

a) The Order Fixing June 30, 2011 as the Day on which

Chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2011, Comes into Force (SI/2011-57) (GIC Order); (

b) The Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2011-129) (2011 Regulations); and

(

c) The Regulations Designating a Body for the Purposes of Paragraph 91(2)(

c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (SOR/2011-142 ) (Ministerial Regulations). [ 6 ] As of June 30, 2011, concurrently with the coming into force (the GIC Order) of An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , S.C. 2011, c. 8, previously known as Bill C-35, the applicant’s designation as the regulator of the immigration consultants is revoked (the 2011 Regulations) and the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is designated as the new regulator (the Ministerial Regulations ). [ 7 ] Although the applicant treats the impugned enactments as a single “decision”, formally speaking, the GIC Order and the 2011 Regulations are made by the Governor in Council (Cabinet), while the Ministerial Regulations are made by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (the Minister), the present respondent.

More particularly, the impugned enactments are respectively made under the purported authority of

section 7 of Bill C-35 (the GIC Order); subsection 5(1),

section 14 and former

section 91 of the Act (the 2011 Regulations); and new subsections 91(5) and (7) of the Act, as amended by

section 1 of Bill C-35 [S.C. 2011, c. 8] (the Ministerial Regulations). [ 8 ] Both the GIC Order and the 2011 Regulations were published in

Part II of the Canada Gazette on July 6, 2011. T he Ministerial Regulations along with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) were published in

Part II of the Canada Gazette on July 20, 2011 (the July RIAS). There was no prepublication of any of the impugned enactments (SI/2011-57, SOR/2011-129 and SOR/2011-142). That said, on March 19, 2011, regulatory amendments to the IRPR that would have substantially the same effect as the 2011 Regulations and the Ministerial Regulations were pre-published in

Part I of the Canada Gazette along with a Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement [ C. Gaz. 2011.I.988] (the March RIAS). [ 9 ] The applicant submits that the enactments revoking the CSIC’s designation (the 2011 Regulations) and designating the ICCRC as the new regulator (the Ministerial Regulations ) are ultra vires and exceed the regulation-making authority under (former or new)

section 91 of the Act on the grounds of abuse of discretion, bad faith, and reliance upon irrelevant considerations. The applicant also submits that the making of both the 2011 Regulations and the Ministerial Regulations is contrary to the applicant’s legitimate expectations and right to be heard, while the conduct by the Minister and his staff at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) raises a reasonable apprehension of bias. Finally, the enactment of the GIC Order violates the procedural requirements of

section 9 of the Statutory Instruments Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. S-22 (the SIA), and the Ministerial Regulations are otherwise invalid in law because they were made prior to the coming into force of Bill C-35. [ 10 ] To the contrary, the respondent submits that the impugned enactments are authorized by Parliament and it is not the function of the Court to examine the reasonableness of regulatory enactments or to criticize policy choices made by Parliament or the Government. In any event, there is no proof of bad faith, improper motive or actual bias.

Moreover, rules of procedural fairness do not apply to legislation making and whatever participatory rights the applicant might have had, they have been amply satisfied. Finally, all procedural requirements found in the SIA were followed and

section 7 of the

Interpretation Act , R.S.C., 1985, c. I-21 permits the making of regulations prior to the coming into force of legislation. Thus, the impugned enactments are valid in law. [ 11 ] Having considered the totality of the evidence, the applicable law and relevant case law, the present application must fail. The Court finds that the impugned enactments are authorized by statute and validly came into force on June 30, 2011. In principle, regulations or policy decisions are not reviewable, except in cases of excess of jurisdiction or failure to comply with legislative or regulatory requirements.

As far as any duty to consult is concerned, it has been satisfied in this case. The process of selecting a new regulatory body, in which the applicant was allowed to participate, was fair and transparent. This is not “an egregious case” where the intervention of the Court is warranted to uphold the rule of law. II. FACTUAL AND CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND [ 12 ] The present application is somewhat a continuation of the litigation that commenced in spring 2011 when the Government announced its intention to remove the reference to the applicant from the definition of “authorized representative” in

section 2 of the IRPR , as modified by the 2004 Regulations, and replace it with the ICCRC. But before examining the spring and summer of 2011 events, it is necessary to go back to the early 2000s when it was decided to federally regulate the occupation of immigration consultant.

The 2004 Regulations [ 13 ] Self-governing professions have a long history in Canada—legal and medical professions were already established in the pre- Confederation era—but until the turn of the century, the idea that immigration consultants constituted a group of professionals who should be legally allowed to compete with members of the legal profession and to regulate themselves in the best interests of the public had not yet emerged. [ 14 ] The background leading to the creation of a self-regulatory body governing the activities of immigration consultants in Canada and the making of the 2004 Regulations is largely uncontested and supported by the evidence filed, and by relevant case law: International Assn. of Immigration Practitioners v.

Canada , 2004 FC 630 , at paragraphs 3–10 ; Law Society of Upper Canada v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) , 2008 FCA 243 , [2009] 2 F.C.R. 466 ( Law Society of Upper Canada ), at paragraphs 4–35 ; and Onuschak v. Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants , 2009 FC 1135 , 3 Admin. L.R. (5th) 214 ( Onuschak ), at paragraphs 11–19 . [ 15 ] In October 2002, the Minister appointed a committee of experts to advise him on the regulation of immigration consultants (the Advisory Committee).

Following their recommendations made in May 2003 [ Report of the Advisory Committee on Regulating Immigration Consultants ], the Minister accepted that a self-regulatory body be created since this required no legislative changes. [ 16 ] Although there were already two existing associations, the Minister (or Cabinet) preferred the creation of a new body as the regulator of the immigration consultants.

Apparently, the Association of Immigration Counsel of Canada (AICC) and the Organization of Professional Immigration Consultants (OPIC) had not been able to effectively enforce membership or high professional standards. Moreover, they both supported the creation of the CSIC as the new regulator.

[ 17 ] The Minister rejected the Advisory Committee’s recommendation that the new regulatory body be constituted by the Government and that it be composed of a board of directors composed of CIC representatives, immigration consultants, and members of the public. Instead, the regulatory body would simply be a non-share capital corporation under the Canada Corporations Act , R.S.C. 1970, c. C-32, and the directors would be chosen by the members of the corporation.

That said, financial support (by way of contribution agreements) and some external guidance would be provided by CIC in the setting up of the corporation during its early years of operation. [ 18 ] Self-government of the new regulatory body had two essential aspects—the authority to license and the ability to discipline. However, concerns were expressed that this may not cure the problem of “phantom” or “ghost” consultants. Because its jurisdiction only extended to members, this gray area of practice could not be effectively regulated by the newly created self-regulated body.

Be that as it may, CIC promised to “closely monitor the situation”, but over time, this proved to be insufficient as will be explained below. [ 19 ] The Government was also cognizant that a subsequent board of directors of the newly created regulatory body could modify the code of conduct and by-laws so as to reduce their professional standards thereby impacting consumers’ protection.

Indeed, the Government vowed to stakeholders that should the CSIC fail to fulfil its central task of protecting consumers and maintaining professional standards, the Government would take action to remove its recognition. [ 20 ] In March 2005, one year after the applicant was designated as the regulator of immigration consultants, governmental authorities were supportive of the steps taken by the applicant: “Overall, CSIC has been operating with success and is meeting the Canadian government’s objective of protecting vulnerable people involved in the immigration process.” [ 21 ] Over time, however, there was a gradual erosion of confidence from part of the applicant’s membership, the public and the Government, and this whether or not partisan views may have also been at work, as suggested by the applicant.

Apparently, there were external pressures in 2010 to have Mr. John Ryan, appointed years before, removed as Chief Executive Officer of the applicant. There were also pressures for the removal of Mr.

Imran Qayyum from the Board of Directors of the applicant and the Canadian Migration Institute (CMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of CSIC. [ 22 ] Be that as it may, as early as 2007, a Toronto Star investigation suggested that the regulatory scheme for immigration consultants continued to fail the public, and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), unaware at that time of any disciplinary hearings against CSIC members, had expressed similar concerns to the Minister.

Indeed, the CBA was encouraging “the government to conduct a broader assessment of whether CSIC is meeting its mandate for the regulation of consultants, particularly given the persistent allegations of fiscal mismanagement made by past directors of CSIC’s own Board”.

Standing Committee inquiry and recommendations [ 23 ] In April 2008, responding to the complaints and discontent from the public and from within the profession regarding unacceptable practices by immigration consultants, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (the Standing Committee) undertook to study the issues in the field and to recommend measures to properly regulate the profession.

The Standing Committee did not conduct a formal investigation of the complaints made against the CSIC, whose representatives were nevertheless offered the opportunity to testify and comment on recommendations made afterwards. This was entirely within the prerogative of a parliamentary standing committee. [ 24 ] In June 2008, the Standing Committee issued its report, entitled Regulating Immigration Consultants: Report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration .

It notably recommended that the Government introduce stand-alone legislation to Parliament to re-establish the CSIC as a non-share capital corporation, to assist in re-establishing the new regulator, and to remain involved in its affairs until it is fully functioning.

In its report, the Standing Committee noted that a number of immigration consultants were dissatisfied because CSIC’s membership fees were too high, it had failed to develop an industry plan, there was a lack of transparency and accountability, and compensation and spending were extravagant. [ 25 ] While the Standing Committee did not make any specific finding of fact (to which the Minister’s representative admitted in this proceeding), it generally identified a number of shortcomings that should nevertheless be addressed by Parliament [at page 3]: These grievances stem from various issues, and no doubt many arise because CSIC is a relatively new organization struggling to strike the right balance to regulate previously unregulated professionals.

However, the Committee believes that problems at CSIC are attributable to more than just growing pains. Fundamentally, the Society has not been given the tools it needs to succeed as a regulator. As a federally-incorporated body, CSIC has no power to sanction immigration consultants who are not members of the Society, and it cannot seek judicial enforcement of the disciplinary consequences it imposes on those who are members.

Further, because CSIC’s jurisdiction is not governed by statute, there is no possibility for dissatisfied members and others to influence the Society’s internal functioning [through] judicial review. In the view of the Committee, these shortcomings should be addressed by new legislation. [ 26 ] The Standing Committee’s recommendation that the CSIC be “re-established” under stand-alone legislation was however not carried out by the Government, who would instead decide two years later to introduce Bill C-35 to Parliament as explained below.

Ministerial response [ 27 ] Before proposing to Parliament legislative amendments to the Act , different options were considered by CIC and the Minister. [ 28 ] In 2009, Les Linklater, Director General of CIC Immigration Branch (now Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Program Policy of CIC) retained a consulting group, Sussex Circle to, inter alia , conduct a review and provide “an analysis and assessment of the threshold required to conclusively determine when the level of governance in a not for profit organization has deteriorated to a point that the mandate of the board of directors could be revoked by the government with minimal legal risk”. [ 29 ] Sussex Circle reviewed CSIC’s governance and accountability arrangements.

They found same to be inadequate in important aspects and proposed a number of options ranging from doing nothing and winding up the CSIC, notably through an amendment to the

IRPR that would name another body to replace CSIC (the regulatory option).

Other options would be to amend the Act or the regulations in order to give the power to appoint “public interest directors” and compel the CSIC (or another designated body) to produce information as requested by the Minister for consideration and approval, or to set out prescriptive governance and accountability requirements in return for the retaining (or the granting) of monopoly in this area. [ 30 ] The regulatory option had some attractive features (notably because it did not require legislative amendments), but it was apparently not the option favoured by Sussex Circle because of its high transitional costs.

Sussex Circle thought that a minimally regulatory approach was highly dependent on the cooperation of the CSIC, while a more comprehensive and prescriptive approach could be a fallback position. However, in the long term, it would be far preferable to make just one set of legislative changes to deal with the governance and accountability issues identified in its report. [ 31 ] The self-regulatory model chosen in 2004 did not prevent (and still does not prevent in 2011) immigration consultants in Canada and elsewhere from belonging to other professional associations.

At the epoch CSIC became the regulator of immigration consultants, the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) was created by the amalgamation of two aforementioned immigration industry organizations, the OPIC and the AICC, who had previously supported the establishment of the CSIC’s self- regulatory body. [ 32 ] The CAPIC is a voluntary immigration practitioner association that, among other things, lobbies and advocates on issues concerning immigration practitioners.

The relationship between the CAPIC and the CSIC have been the cause of much friction between the two organizations and have been particularly strained since 2007 when Mr. Philip Mooney became president of the CAPIC as explained in the affidavit of Keith Frank and judicially noted by the Court in Mooney v. Canadian Society for Immigration Consultants , 2011 FC 496 , 235 C.R.R. (2d) 41 ( Mooney ). The evidence on record clearly establishes that the CAPIC, notably Mr.

Mooney himself, campaigned against the CSIC and actively advocated for its replacement. [ 33 ] Apparently, CAPIC directors, although not registered lobbyists, met in 2008 and 2009 with Mr. Les Linklater—then Director General of CIC Immigration Branch—and other members of the Minister’s staff to lobby for the replacement of the CSIC or its Board of Directors.

In this respect, these unnamed CAPIC directors allegedly acted in an “advisory capacity to the Minister” in “offering alternatives” to the CSIC. [ 34 ] Indeed, some immigration consultants heard in 2008 by the Standing Committee were directors of the CAPIC (or even “ghost consultants” as alleged by the applicant).

Be that as it may, in Mooney , above, at paragraph 113 , this Court noted in 2011 that “[t]he Standing Committee Report and its principal recommendations are obviously a legitimate and thoughtful attempt to suggest ways in which CSIC could, and should, be reformed so that it might better fulfill its mandate and governing principles.” Bill C-35 [ 35 ] On June 8, 2010, Bill C-35, referred to by the Government as the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act , was introduced to the House of Commons by Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. [ 36 ] In the news release and speaking notes of the Minister, one can read: [News Release – Minister Kenney introduces legislation to crack down on crooked immigration consultants (hereinafter News Release)] “While most immigration consultants working in Canada are legitimate and ethical, it is clear that immigration fraud remains a widespread threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “The Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act will better protect prospective immigrants from crooked consultants and help safeguard our immigration system against fraud and abuse.” [Speaking notes for The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants (hereinafter Speaking notes)] The proposed legislation implements unanimous recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Immigration which were arrived at following extensive consultations. [ 37 ] In passing, the applicant contends that in a television interview on June 12, 2010, the Minister misstated the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee when declaring that “there have been a lot of concerns expressed, including the Parliamentary Standing Committee on immigration, unanimously said the government should set up a new regulatory body”.

Also, when questioned about Bill C-35 in a CPAC interview, on June 8, 2010, the Minister’s answer implied his objective to have “it done by the end of 2011.” [ 38 ] As will be explained below, the Court has found that the allegations of bias against the Minister are not determinative as far as the legality of the impugned enactments is concerned. The Court accepts the respondent’s submission that the Minister’s statements or comments have been taken out of context.

In the CPAC interview, Minister Kenney was apparently referring to the coming into effect of Bill C-35 that he wished was done by the end of 2011, and not the designation of a new regulatory body. [ 39 ] That said, despite the Minister’s statements, it is apparent that the Government chose not to follow the Standing Committee’s recommendation [at pages 3–4] that “the Government of Canada introduce stand-alone legislation to re-establish the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants as a non-share capital corporation” and that “[s]uch an ‘Immigration Consultants Society Act’ should provide for the same types of matters covered by founding statutes of provincial law societies, including, but not limited to: functions of the corporation, member licensing and conduct, professional competence, prohibitions and offences, complaints resolution, compensation fund and by-laws.” [ 40 ] In effect, once adopted by Parliament and proclaimed in force, Bill C-35 would significantly amend the manner of regulating third parties in immigration processes.

Among other things Bill C-35:

• Creates a new offence by extending the prohibition against representing or advising persons for consideration—or offering to do so—to all stages in connection with a proceeding or application under the Act , including before a proceeding has been commenced or an application has been made, and provides for penalties in case of contravention; • Exempts from the prohibition: • Members of a provincial law society or notaries of the Chambre des notaires du Québec, and students-at-law acting under their supervision, • Any other members of a provincial law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, including a paralegal, • Members of a body designated by the Minister, and • Entities, and persons acting on behalf of the entities, acting in accordance with an agreement or arrangement with Her Majesty in right of Canada; • Extends the time for instituting certain proceedings by way of

summary conviction from six months to ten years; • Gives the Minister the power to make transitional regulations in relation to the designation or revocation by the Minister of a body; • Provides for oversight by the Minister of a designated body through regulations made by the Governor in Council requiring the body to provide information to allow the Minister to determine whether it governs its members in the public interest; and, • Facilitates information sharing with regulatory bodies regarding the professional and ethical conduct of their members. [ 41 ] On September 23, 2010, Bill C-35 received second reading at the House of Commons and was referred to the Standing Committee.

The latter presented its report on November 24, 2010, with a concurrence on December 6, 2010. It received third reading on December 7, 2010. [ 42 ] The same day, at the Senate level, Bill C-35 received first reading. It received second reading and was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology on March 1, 2011. The latter presented its report (with observations) on March 10, 2011. Finally, it received third reading on March 21, 2011. [ 43 ] Bill C-35 received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.

Public selection process [ 44 ] On June 8, 2010, concurrently with the tabling at the House of Commons of Bill C-35, the Minister announced that it was also taking immediate steps to address “a lack of public confidence in the regulation of immigration consultants” and that a Notice of Intent would be published announcing CIC’s intention to “launch a transparent public selection process to identify a governing body for recognition as the regulator of immigration consultants, under current authority” [see News Release]. [ 45 ] Explaining the decision to launch a public selection process, Minister Jason Kenney stated [see Speaking notes]: According to the [House of Commons Standing Committee], complaints were heard from a number of consultants across the country, many of whom have expressed great dissatisfaction with the way that the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, or CSIC, is currently governed.

That’s why I’m taking immediate steps to address this problem, a problem that poses a significant threat to the immigration system and has created a lack of public confidence in the regulation of consultants. … The Notice of intent will request comments from the public on the proposed selection process.

A transparent selection process will then identify the body best able to effectively regulate consultants in support of Canada’s public confidence in the immigration system. … The regulatory body must regulate effectively and must be held accountable for ensuring their membership provides services in a professional and ethical manner and that real sanctions are taken if their members do otherwise. [ 46 ] Effectively, on June 12, 2010, a Notice of Intent was published in

Part I of the Canada Gazette [Government Notices, C. Gaz. 2010.I.1502] requesting comments from the public on its proposal to establish a public selection process with the objective of identifying a governing body for recognition as the regulator of immigration consultants. More particularly [at page 1503], such “[a] competitive public selection process will be pursued in order to identify the entity best able to demonstrate capacity to effectively regulate immigration consultants.

Selection factors will be established to ensure that the entity identified for recognition as the regulator of immigration consultants has the capacity to effectively regulate.” [ 47 ] According to the applicant, prior to the launch of the public selection process, Mr. Linklater allegedly requested Mr. Mooney— who later became the president and CEO of the ICCRC—to provide a list of 19–20 individuals who could take over the CSIC in its regulatory functions.

In this respect, the Court finds the evidence on record inconclusive and further notes that there is no credible evidence allowing the Court to conclude on a balance of probabilities that the public selection process was not fair and transparent. [ 48 ] Further to the Notice of Intent published on June 12, 2010, after considering comments received by the public, selection factors were developed “to ensure that any entity serving as the regulator of immigration consultants has or will have the capacity to support Canada’s immediate and long term immigration objectives as well as maintain public confidence in the immigration system” [Government Notices, C.

Gaz. 2010.I.2308, at page 2309; emphasis added]. As it appears from the Government Notices published in

Part I of the Canada Gazette on August 28, 2010 (the Call for Submissions), five selection factors were identified by CIC—competence, integrity, accountability, viability and good governance—however, there could be “other relevant factors” that the Selection Committee or the Minister may want to consider. [ 49 ] In the Call for Submissions, the Minister invited interested candidate entities to make submissions which “set out, in detail, how they respond to the selection factors” [at page 2311], but this “does not obligate the Minister, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration or the Government of Canada in any way, or to take any action” [at page 2312].

That said, the Call for Submissions indicates that [at page 2312] “[a]n agreement or arrangement may be entered into between the successful entity and the Government of Canada.” The deadline for submissions was December 29, 2010. [ 50 ] To that effect, a selection committee (comprised of four external experts and three senior public servants) was charged with examining the submissions received in response to the Call for Submissions and making recommendations to the Minister after having considered the submissions in light of the selection factors and “other relevant factors”. [ 51 ] In its final report dated September 24, 2010, Mr.

John Scratch, an external consultant whose services were retained in spring 2010 by CIC, reiterated what he had already written in his interim report of July 2010, that the selection process of the regulator chosen by the Minister “must be open, transparent and competitive and must be seen to be so”. In her cross-examination, the Minister’s representative confirmed that the chosen selection process would have all those characteristics. Moreover, the report prepared by the external consultant “was a policy tool for the Minister to make a decision on who he was going to recommend”.

It must be remembered that the selection process undertaken in the summer of 2010 was under the provisions of the Act , as they read at the time, and which conferred the authority to maintain or change the regulator of immigration consultants to the Governor in Council (Cabinet). [ 52 ] Apart from the fact that the chosen organization must have, among other things, a code of conduct, a complaint and discipline mechanism, liability insurance, a compensation fund, bilingual services to members and the public, continuing education requirements and programs for members, Mr.

Scratch notes that “[m]any of the problems identified with the current regulator are governance issues – democracy, accountability and transparency. Therefore, applicants should be required to demonstrate that they are capable of establishing an organization that will address these issues and that will provide for effective control of the Board of directors by the membership of the organization”. [ 53 ] In its final report, Mr.

Scratch also found it difficult to provide specific advice on an implementation plan because it was unclear —the selection process still not completed—what the issues would be until a decision had been made on a successful applicant and until there had been discussions with that applicant. Be that as it may, the following options were mentioned by the external consultant: When the decision is made on the applicant CIC will need to begin negotiations with the applicant on the agreement to determine when the applicant can assume the duties of the regulator.

If the current regulator is not selected CIC will also need to have discussions with CSIC to determine if they will act as regulator until the successful applicant is prepared to assume the duties. Ideally CIC should bring CSIC and the successful applicant together to arrange for an orderly transfer of authority. CIC will also have to enter into negotiations with the body chosen as regulator for the agreement between the two parties.

CIC should [be] preparing itself for these negotiations by determining what it wants in this agreement. … During any transitional period CIC may have to deal with the following issues in order to avoid disruption in the operations of the regulator: • Will existing authorized immigration consultants continue to be authorized during the transitional period? Bill C-35 gives the Minister authority to provide for this by way of regulation. The transitional provision in

section 6 of Bill C-35 also deals with this issue. • Will members of CSIC in good standing automatically become members of the body chosen as the regulator? The new section 91(7) in Bill C-35 would appear to deal with this issue. • Will there continue to be a Code of Conduct, liability insurance, a compensation fund and a complaints and disciplinary system during the transitional period? If there is who will pay for them? This is a particularly difficult issue which could arise if the current regulator is not the successful applicant. The negotiations with CSIC will have to try and resolve these issues.

Legal Services will need to be consulted on this point. • If the successful applicant is not the current regulator what will happen to cases in the complaints and disciplinary system? Again CIC will have to try and resolve this issue with CSIC and the successful applicant. Some sort of interim complaints and disciplinary system may need to be established. • There may also be issues relating to the winding up of the current regulator during a transitional period.

CIC needs to consult Legal Services on its authority to wind up the current regulator and its ability to preserve the liability insurance and the compensation fund currently in operation. [ 54 ] Four submissions were considered in January 2011 by the Selection Committee, including proposals made by the applicant and the Institute of Chartered Canadian Immigration Practitioners (ICCIP). The bid of the ICCIP was actually prepared by the CAPIC (notably Phil Mooney, Lynn Gaudet and Christopher Daw).

The CAPIC had publicly announced that it was not interested in becoming the regulator itself, but would nevertheless lead a “Consortium of interested parties”.

This strategic move—from the CAPIC, who is an activist interest group—is not surprising considering that in its final report of September 2010, the external consultant had already noted that “[t]he Regulator should be limited to a regulatory function and should not act as a representative organization for immigration consultants”. [ 55 ] In their report delivered to the Minister’s attention on January 27, 2011 [Report of the Selection Committee – Assessment of

proposals from candidates interested in becoming the regulator of immigration consultants], the Selection Committee came to the conclusion that the ICCIP and the applicant both met the previously announced selection factors (integrity, competence, good governance, accountability and viability). However, the applicant had missed the opportunity to demonstrate how it would address areas of concern that were expressed by the Standing Committee in their report of June 2008 to the House of Commons.

On the other hand, the ICCIP had made a concerted effort to demonstrate how it would fully address these areas of concern. [ 56 ] The Minister accepted the recommendation of the Selection Committee that the ICCIP, later incorporated under the name of the ICCRC (on February 18, 2011), be designated as the new regulator of immigration consultants. On March 14, 2011, CIC entered into a non-disclosure agreement with the ICCRC with respect to the possibility of the proposed regulations being enacted.

On March 16, 2011, a further contribution agreement was concluded with the ICCRC. [ 57 ] On March 18, 2011, the Minister issued a news release announcing the publication of a notice proposing to amend the 2004 Regulations so that the applicant would be replaced by the ICCRC who would then be recognized as the regulator of immigration consultants. The following day, on March 19, 2011, the proposed regulatory text amending the definition of “authorized representative” (

section 2 of IRPR ) was published in

Part I of the Canada Gazette [March RIAS]. Moreover, a transitional provision ( subsection 13.1(2) of the IRPR) would permit persons who are members in good standing of the CSIC to be able to continue to act as authorized representatives for a period of 120 days following the coming into force of the proposed regulations.

Same will come into force on the day on which they are registered. [ 58 ] In the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (the March RIAS) [at page 991], it is explained that the intent of the proposed amendments “is to better protect applicants to immigration processes and enhance public confidence in the immigration system by recognizing a regulator of immigration consultants that has demonstrated that it meets the necessary organizational competencies to effectively regulate immigration consultants.” Interested persons were invited to make comments concerning the proposals within 30 days after the date of publication of the notice in

Part I of the Canada Gazette . [ 59 ] On March 23, 2011, a few days before the dissolution of the Houses, Bill C-35 received Royal Assent, now providing specific authority to the Minister himself to revoke or designate the regulatory body for immigration consultants (new

section 91 of the Act [ S.C. 2011, c. 8, s. 1 ]), but still, to have force of law, an order of the Governor in Council had to be made. However, no such order was made during spring 2011 (the writs for the 41st Canadian general election to be held on May 2, 2011 were issued by the Governor General on March 26, 2011). III.

PRESENT LITIGATION [ 60 ] On April 4, 2011, the applicant commenced an application for leave and judicial review seeking an order of certiorari to set aside any purported action to revoke the applicant’s designation, together with interlocutory relief to maintain the status quo until final determination by the Court (docket IMM-2244-11).

Stay motion [ 61 ] Along with the serving and filing of its application for leave and judicial review, the applicant sought an order of the Court to stay the decision of the Minister to revoke the CSIC’s designation as the regulator of immigration consultants. [ 62 ] As of April 12, 2011, the applicant counted around 1 910 full members. Moreover, 137 students had completed the requisite immigration practitioner program and had applied to become full members. In practice, some 38 employees were fulfilling the regulatory tasks delegated to the applicant.

The applicant was currently handling over 99 complaints and 155 open investigations from the public regarding immigration consultants. There were currently 21 on-going disciplinary proceedings. [ 63 ] The stay motion was heard on June 7, 2011 and refused by Madam Justice Snider of this Court (the motions Judge) on June 9, 2011.

Essentially, she found that the applicant’s allegation of irreparable harm was “speculative”, noting inter alia that “[t]here is no time line for the enactment [of the proposed regulatory amendments] of which anyone is aware (other than perhaps the Minister and the GIC)” ( Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) , 2011 FC 669 , 391 F.T.R. 100, at paragraph 28 ). [ 64 ] The motions Judge apparently accepted the following statement made by Mrs.

Mary Coulter, the Minister’s representative in her affidavit, dated May 20, 2011: Any decision to enact regulations and to change the regulator of immigration consultants must be made at the executive level, either by the Minister (pursuant to the coming into force of Bill C-35) or by the Governor-in-Council under the present legislative scheme.

It cannot be determined at this point when, or even if, such enactments will be made . [My emphasis.] [ 65 ] Undisclosed to the motions Judge and only discovered subsequently in the present proceeding, the process of revoking the applicant’s designation and designating the ICCRC as the new regulator was well underway: (

a) By May 19, 2011, the 2011 Regulations had been drafted; (

b) By May 25, 2011, the GIC Order had been drafted; and, (

c) By May 31, 2011, the Minister had signed the recommendation to the Governor in Council (GIC) to repeal the applicant’s recognition as the regulator and to have Bill C-35 come into force on June 30, 2011. [ 66 ] Indeed, days after the dismissal of the stay motion, the Government moved rapidly and the impugned enactments were made and registered so that they could become law on the coming into force of Bill C-35 on June 30, 2011. [ 67 ] The Court pauses to mention that during the course of argument on the merit of the present judicial review application,

applicant’s counsel stressed that the conduct of the Minister or its representatives in the stay motion was evidence of bad faith on the part of the Minister or its representatives who omitted to disclose key information in the respondent’s evidence (the affidavit of Mrs.

Coulter dated May 20, 2011) and at the hearing of stay motion on June 7, 2011. [ 68 ] The Court will not make any specific finding of fact in this regard, considering that the allegations made by the applicant are serious and directly pose the question whether the alleged acts or omissions constitute an interference with the orderly administration of justice or have impaired the authority or dignity of the Court.

As the case may be, it is preferable in the interest of justice and of all parties that such litigious side issues be raised and examined in a separate proceeding in the manner provided by rules 466 to 472 of the Federal Courts Rules , SOR/98-106 [ r. 1 (as am. by SOR/2004-283, s. 2)], if the applicant (or perhaps the motions Judge) wishes to pursue the matter further, as the case may be.

Effect of the impugned regulations [ 69 ] The 2011 Regulations which have put an end to the regulatory role earlier exercised by the applicant are viewed by the Government as “technical coordinating amendments” that have “low to no impact” on the applicant.

That said, the Ministerial Regulations are made under the authority conferred to the Minister by new subsections 91(5) and (7) of the Act : • First, as the designated body, the regulatory role over immigration consultants shall be exercised by the ICCRC (this is subject to any concurrent regulatory regime in the province of Québec: new subsection 91(7.1) [as enacted by S.C. 2011, c. 8, s. 1 ] of the Act and paragraphs 3.3(

k) to (

q) of An Act respecting immigration to Québec , R.S.Q., c. I-0.2). • Second, as a transitional measure, members of the applicant are members of the ICCRC and are not required to pay membership fees for a period of 120 days following the coming into force of the Act (June 30, 2011). [ 70 ] In practice, this means that members of the CSIC who have regularized their membership and paid the fees to the ICCRC by October 29, 2011 (the expiry of 120-day period) are not allowed to act or continue to act as “authorized representatives” in connection with a proceeding or application under the Act . Otherwise, they could be found in contravention of

section 91 of the Act, and if found guilty, would be liable to a fine, to imprisonment, or to both. However, the transitional measures do not settle a number of unresolved issues. [ 71 ] For instance, what happens to cases currently under investigation and disciplinary proceedings undertaken by the applicant? Is there a transfer of the list of members and files to the ICCRC? Are suspended or expelled members of the applicant entitled to be accepted in the membership of the ICCRC? Who controls the ICCRC and who are its first directors and officers?

When is the first general assembly of members of the ICCRC? [ 72 ] In the case at bar, the Minister and CIC have preferred to enter into direct negotiations with the ICCRC and to conclude an agreement prior to the coming into force of the impugned enactments. Conversely, prior to the coming into force of the impugned enactments, the Minister and CIC have preferred not to enter into discussions with the applicant with respect to ongoing issues which are not resolved by the Ministerial Regulations (e.g. winding up, transfer of files, disciplinary matters and financial aspects).

New stay motion and new judicial review applications [ 73 ] On June 30, 2011, the applicant served and filed a new stay motion alleging that the impugned enactments would cause its demise in the short term, having in the meantime served and filed three other new notices of application (dockets T-1021-11, T-1068-11 and IMM-4256-11) seeking to set aside decisions of the Minister or Cabinet made prior to the coming into force of the impugned enactments. [ 74 ] On July 13, 2011, the stay motion came before the undersigned Judge.

I noted at the hearing that no notice of application served and filed since April 2011 directly challenged the legality of the impugned enactments and that, perhaps, it may be academic to review past “decisions” of the Minister or Cabinet.

Rather than proceeding with the stay motion, counsel agreed that it was preferable to proceed rapidly on the merit once the applicant had discontinued its previous applications and had served and filed a new application seeking to set aside the impugned enactments. [ 75 ] Following the discontinuance of the existing applications (dockets IMM-2244-11, IMM-4256-11, T-1021-11 and T-1068-11) on August 4, 2011, upon consent, leave to make the present judicial review application was granted (docket IMM-5039-11). On October 6 and 7, 2011, the matter was heard in Toronto before the undersigned Judge.

Applicant’s challenge on the legality of the impugned enactments [ 76 ] The applicant challenges the decisions of the Governor in Council and the Minister, implemented by the above-described regulatory enactments, on both substantive and procedural grounds. [ 77 ] Substantively, the applicant contends that the Governor in Council and the Minister exceeded their jurisdiction and acted ultra vires their regulation-making authority under the Act for abuse of statutory discretion because the impugned decisions were not made in good faith and with impartiality, but rather were based on irrelevant grounds and factors other than those outlined in the Call for Submissions. [ 78 ] The applicant also submits that the Minister’s decision to revoke CSIC’s designation, as well as the regulatory enactments which implemented this decision (including the regulation designating ICCRC as the new regulator), are invalid as they are vitiated for breach of procedural fairness, the Minister having failed to follow the selection process as outlined in the Call for Submissions and thus legitimately expected by the CSIC. [ 79 ] The applicant also asserts that the doctrine of legitimate expectations applies to delegated legislative powers creating participatory rights.

The Minister is therefore estopped from not complying with the selection process previously determined in

governmental policy guidelines. In this respect, the applicant asserts that the Minister was not entitled to consider factors other thanthose previously considered by the Selection Committee. The fact that the Selection Committee was not satisfied with the responsesprovided to the concerns set out in the Parliamentary Standing Committee report in 2008 was not relevant either. [80] Moreover, the applicant says the Minister selected the ICCRC as regulator despite the fact that it had not responded to the Callfor Submissions under the selection process.

According to the applicant, even the ICCIP (which was incorporated only a month beforeits designation under the name ICCRC) was not really the body making the bid. Instead, the CAPIC filed submissions under the name ofICCIP, which was not a legal entity and had no legal status. [81] The applicant also alleges that the Minister’s actions and comments prior to, during, and following the selection process, as wellas those of members of his staff, raise a reasonable apprehension of bias.

The applicant contends that the current directors, president andCEO of the ICCRC are CAPIC members who lobbied the Minister and CIC before the introduction of Bill C-35 to have the CSICreplaced. [82] The applicant also stresses that it is Mr. Linklater who retained Sussex Circle in 2009 to conduct a review and provide “ananalysis and assessment of the threshold required to conclusively determine when the level of governance in a not for profit organizationhad deteriorated to a point that the mandate of the board of directors could be revoked by the government with minimal legal risk”.

Theapplicant contends that the Sussex Circle was instructed by Mr. Linklater to obtain information about the applicant from CIC officialsfrom the Immigration Branch (and not from the applicant itself), and that, in any event, its recommendation not to wind down theapplicant was disregarded by CIC. [83] As for the second set of procedural issues raised by the applicant, it is submitted that the Governor in Council’s Order fixing June30, 2011 as the coming into force date of Bill C-35 is of no force and effect because it was not registered within seven days after it wasmade and thereby fails to comply with

section 9 of the SIA. Furthermore, the applicant argues that even if the order is valid, theMinisterial Regulations remain invalid as they were made three days prior to the date on which Bill C-35 granting the Minister statutoryauthority to make such regulations came into effect. [84] For the reasons expressed hereunder, the applicant’s arguments must be dismissed by the Court. IV. LIMITED SCOPE OF JUDICIAL REVIEW [85] In reference to the constitutional role of the superior courts in maintaining the rule of law, speaking for the Supreme Court ofCanada in U.E.S., Local 298 v.

Bibeault, (SCC), [1988] 2 S.C.R. 1048, at page 1090, Justice Beetz eloquently expressedthe singular nature of judicial review and its paradox: When an administrative tribunal exceeds its jurisdiction, the illegality of its act is as serious as if it had acted in bad faith or ignored therules of natural justice. The role of the superior courts in maintaining the rule of law is so important that it is given constitutionalprotection: Crevier v. Attorney General of Quebec, (SCC), [1981] 2 S.C.R. 220.

Yet, the importance of judicial reviewimplies that it should not be exercised unnecessarily, lest this extraordinary remedy lose its meaning. [86] Naturally, in cases involving the exercise of powers granted by Parliament to the Executive, this judicial review role is performedby the Federal Courts under sections 18 [as am. by S.C. 1990, c. 8, s. 4; 2002, c. 8, s. 26] and 28 [as am. idem, s. 35] of the FederalCourts Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. F-7 [s. 1 (as am. idem, s. 14)] and this jurisdiction is plenary in principle (Canada (Human RightsCommission) v.

Canadian Liberty Net, (SCC), [1998] 1 S.C.R. 626, at paragraphs 35–36). In the case at bar, theapplicant submits that the impugned enactments are ultra vires, violate the duty of procedural fairness, and were made contrary to theSIA and without statutory authority. Rule of law [87] Access to the courts is a fundamental tenet of democracy and by extension of the principle of separation of powers. Judicialreview is essentially concerned with legality, whether from a constitutional, statutory or administrative point of view.

At its most basiclevel, the rule of law vouchsafes to the citizens and residents of the country a stable, predictable and ordered society in which to conducttheir affairs; it provides a shield for individuals from arbitrary state action (Reference re Secession of Quebec, (SCC),[1998] 2 S.C.R. 217, at paragraph 70). [88] As far as the legality of a piece of legislation adopted by Parliament or a legislature is concerned, the reviewing role of the Courtis limited to examining its conformity with the Constitution, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [being

Part I of theConstitution Act, 1982,

Schedule B, Canada Act 1982, 1982, c. 11 (U.K.) [R.S.C., 1985, Appendix II, No. 44]] (the Charter) andunwritten constitutional principles. A breach of the rule of law cannot lead to the invalidity of a statute, except in cases where a statutehas not been enacted in the correct manner and form: British Columbia v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., 2005 SCC 49, [2005] 2 S.C.R.473 (Imperial Tobacco), at paragraphs 58–60. Divided constitutional powers over the regulation of immigration consultants [89] In our Canadian system of responsible government, there is no separation of powers between the two political branches(legislative and executive), and subject to the limitation found in

section 96 of the Constitution Act, 1867 [30 & 31 Vict., c. 3 (U.K.) (asam. by Canada Act 1982, 1982, c. 11 (U.K.),

Schedule to the Constitution Act, 1982, Item 1) [R.S.C., 1985, Appendix II, No. 5]]applicable to the legislatures, there may be laws or regulations conferring legislative, quasi-judicial or administrative and regulatorypowers to bodies invested of the functions of regulating an occupation and licensing members of a profession, trade or other activity,subject to the constitutional division of powers between Parliament and the legislatures. [90] In this respect, Parliament and the legislatures both possess under

section 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867 a shared jurisdiction inimmigration matters, while the regulation of professions rests in the exclusive legislative power of the provinces. Nevertheless,Parliament has constitutional authority to notably allow immigration consultants to give advice or represent people who are subject to a

proceeding or application under the Act. [91] Indeed, it has been held that the Governor in Council could legally establish “a licensing system” in the area of persons wishingto act as representatives in an immigration or refugee proceeding, including immigration consultants, pursuant to paragraph 114(1)(v) [asam. by R.S.C., 1985 (4th Supp.), c. 28, s. 29] of the former Immigration Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. I-2. See Law Society of British Columbia v.Mangat, 2001 SCC 67, [2001] 3 S.C.R. 113 (Mangat). That said, this is not a case where this Court is asked to revisit aspects of theMangat decision.

The present attack [92] To a large extent, the applicant has challenged the wisdom and effectiveness of the legislative amendments introduced by Bill C-35, notably reproaching the Minister for not having carried out the Standing Committee’s recommendation that the CSIC be “re-established” under stand-alone legislation, while repeatedly and deliberately taking the comments of the Standing Committee out ofcontext. However, the judiciary’s role “is not…to apply only the law of which it approves.

Nor is it to decide cases with a view simply towhat the judiciary (rather than the law) deems fair or pertinent” (Imperial Tobacco, above, at paragraph 52). [93] Clearly, the Executive made a policy decision, which was ultimately endorsed by Parliament, in choosing not to follow theStanding Committee recommendation that the Government introduce stand-alone legislation to re-establish the applicant as a non-sharecapital corporation.

Whether this was the result of CAPIC’s lobby has no bearing with the legality of Bill C-35, which clearly fallswithin the purview of Parliament’s legislative powers and is not contrary to the Constitution, including the Charter and unwrittenconstitutional principles. [94] That said, the applicant contends that Bill C-35 did not legally come into force June 30, 2011 and is not the law of Canada today.This assertion is based on the assumption that the requirements set out in

section 9 of the SIA have not been respected in the case of themaking and registration of the GIC Order; consequently, new

section 91 of the Act and the Ministerial Regulations can have no force andeffect. Subsidiarily, the Ministerial Regulations which are purportedly made under the authority of new

section 91 of the Act areotherwise invalid because they were made and registered prior to the coming into force of Bill C-35. [95] Moreover, the applicant submits that the enactments revoking the 2011 Regulations and the Ministerial Regulations are ultravires and exceed the regulation-making authority under (former or new)

section 91 of the Act on the grounds of abuse of discretion, badfaith and reliance upon irrelevant considerations. The applicant also submits that the making of both the 2011 Regulations and theMinisterial Regulations is contrary to the applicant’s legitimate expectations and right to be heard, while the conduct by the Minister andhis staff at CIC raises a reasonable apprehension of bias.

What is jurisdictional? [96] Jurisdictional issues such as the scope of the powers conferred to the Governor in Council and the Minister, issues of proceduralfairness (including allegations of bad faith and bias), and compliance with the procedural requirements found in the SIA, are to bereviewed on a standard of correctness. Be that as it may, the pragmatic and functional approach does not apply to legislative acts; such anenquiry is only required where an adjudicative or policy-making function is being exercised: United Taxi Drivers’ Fellowship ofSouthern Alberta v.

Calgary (City), 2004 SCC 19, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 485, at paragraph 5. [97] In order to be the law of Canada, the amendments introduced by Bill C-35 and the corollary regulatory enactments must belegally in force, which supposes that all procedural requirements found in the SIA must have been respected. However, where it comes tothe exercise of statutory powers granted to the Governor in Council and the Minister, it is debatable whether the applicant’s viresargument raises a “true [question] of vires” as described in Dunsmuir v.

New Brunswick, 2008 SCC 9, [2008] 1 S.C.R. 190, at paragraph59. [98] What is truly challenged here is the exercise of a discretionary decision-making power by “regulation”, which the applicantsubmits is reviewable by the Court at least in cases of bad faith or improper purpose. Since the impugned enactments affected its rights,privileges o

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