CSIC subway ads

*From:* Veronica G. Zanfir [mailto:vzanfir@bomzalawgroup.com]


*Sent:* March-02-10 8:48 AM

*To:* CBA Citizenship & Immigration Members

*Subject:* FW: CSIC subway ads



Dear LM's



Those of you who take the subway in Toronto have undoubtedly seen the new subway ad for CSIC consultant services. Its posted in fairly prolific fashion on the Yonge line. It shows a shark snapping up a seal, and the caption reads:



PREY. Unfortunately in the eyes of a dishonest person pretending to be an immigration consultant that's all potential immigrants are. Don't be a victim. Make the right choice. Call a Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant, a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants.

They are the only consultants authorized by the Canadian government to advise, represent and consult on immigration issues for a fee. If you don't make the right choice, your dreams could be eaten alive. CALL THE NUMBER BELOW



A 1-877 number is prominently displayed.



A few thoughts:



- its great that the CSIC is taking steps to inform the public about unlicensed immigration practitioners, especially in light of recent media reports. The ad is, of course, correct in indicating that CSIC consultants are "the only consultants authorized by our government to advise, represent and consult on immigration issues". The problem is that the average subway rider (read: consumer) has no clue what "consultant" is meant to designate since many clients and often even immigration officers sweep us all with the same brush; nor does the average subway rider realize that the ad leaves out a large contingent of capable representatives - lawyers. The lay reader will take it as a given that he better call the 1-877 number offered because that is the only place he will be able to access a government licensed rep. Forget the lawyer referral service, the LSUC, or any law firm, for that matter since, according to this ad, you can't get a legitimate representative there.



- I understand that this is the nature of the consultant-lawyer dynamic, but honestly, I'm also envious - it would be nice to be a consultant and have my representative organization, to which I pay my yearly dues post ads for me on such a heavily trafficked venue, publicizing my services with a toll free number. I am a lawyer, however, and I have to pay for my own advertising; and if I want to be listed in the lawyer referral service I have to pay more for it, and then, that's not really geared specifically to immigration minded clients, nor is it free to the client (it costs $6/per call)



- if the CSIC fully funded this ad, we have a few things to learn from them when it comes to pooling resources for effective advertising; if CSIC did not fully fund this ad, who did? If it was funded in any part by a government agency why does it fail to outline all representatives that the Government of Canada authorizes to practice? Why does it promote consultants only, and in such partisan fashion? To me, the ad is downright misleading.



-Imagine this ad had to do with Real Estate paralegals and said something to the effect of "call us, we are the only qualified consultants to handle your real estate matters" would the real estate bar be up in arms? Should we?



Veronica G. Zanfir, B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.



Senior Associate Lawyer



Bomza Law Group – TORONTO



45 St. Clair Ave.West, Suite# 1000



Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1K9



T: 416-598-8849



Toll Free: 1-800-993-9971



Bomza Law Group – CALGARY



Suite #300, 400-5th Avenue SW



Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P0L6



T: 403-809-1777



Toll Free: 1-800-993-9971



E: Vzanfir@BomzaLawGroup.com



www.BomzaLawGroup.com