| Burnaby, BC | TBA | CD.2021.549 | The RCIC engaged in allegations including unlawful fee-charging, misrepresentation, inadequate service, improper financial practices, and significant regulatory non-compliance. The RCIC charged a client fees under a retainer agreement provided only in Chinese, for securing employment and for obtaining a positive LMIA which is prohibited charges under applicable employment-protection legislation, while also repeatedly collecting large instalments without issuing invoices. Throughout the representation, the RCIC provided misleading immigration advice, including advising the client to pursue ineligible pathways, misrepresenting program requirements, pressuring the client to enrol in a specific college program, and encouraging the client to falsify her employment history. The RCIC further arranged an LMIA and employment contract that did not meet BC PNP requirements, demanded payment before adding the client’s name to the LMIA, and failed to meaningfully address the client’s concerns regarding non-compliant work conditions, insufficient hours, or risks to their PR eligibility. The RCIC attempted to charge an additional fees for a work-permit renewal, refused to refund fees, and failed to disclose the resulting civil action to the College. During the College’s investigation, the RCIC failed to provide a complete client file, claimed it had been destroyed or returned, made statements demonstrating a lack of basic knowledge regarding invoices, client-account records, and mandatory English/French retainer requirements, denied providing recruitment services despite contractual terms and conduct, asserted fees were reasonable, and questioned the College’s authority to request records. The RCIC additionally disclosed confidential complaint information to a third-party employer and communicated with the client through counsel without appropriate consent. | |