The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) has quickly grown from an idea – first shared in an email among colleagues – into a national organization representing immigration lawyers committed to justice, fairness, and strong advocacy.
Founded by a group of lawyers, including our own Ravi Jain (who sent that first email initiating the group), CILA was created to fill a gap in Canada’s immigration law landscape. From the outset, its mission was clear:
- Support volunteers by valuing their time and contributions.
- Provide top-tier professional development to members.
- Advocate for meaningful reforms to ensure fairness in immigration and refugee policy.
CILA’s founders not only invested countless volunteer hours but also contributed their own funds to launch the association. Today, CILA has become a leading voice in Canadian immigration law, respected for its work in policy advocacy, legal reform, and member support.
Championing the Right to Counsel
One of CILA’s defining issues has been the right to counsel. In recent years, the federal government has attempted to limit access to lawyers for vulnerable immigrants and refugees, raising serious concerns about justice and equality before the law.
The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of fairness in Canada’s legal system. Studies have consistently shown that access to competent legal counsel significantly improves outcomes for immigrants and refugees navigating complex proceedings (Canadian Bar Association, 2023). Without it, people face barriers that can result in unjust decisions and life-altering consequences.
During his time as President of CILA, Ravi Jain, alongside other dedicated leaders such as Randy Hahn, worked tirelessly to strategize and respond to these threats. That advocacy has now culminated in an action filed in Federal Court – an important step in ensuring that marginalized groups are not denied fair access to justice.
Looking Ahead: Supporting CILA’s Mission
At Jain Immigration Law, we are proud to support CILA’s mission and have contributed financially to this important cause. But the work cannot stop here. Protecting the right to counsel and strengthening Canada’s immigration and refugee systems requires sustained effort and broad support.
We encourage others to join us in supporting this critical effort. Donations to help fund the Federal Court action on the right to counsel can be made here: Donate to the Right to Counsel Fund.
The growth of CILA is a testament to what dedicated volunteers and professionals can achieve when united by shared values. As we look ahead, Jain Immigration Law remains committed to supporting CILA and its mission to ensure justice, fairness, and excellence in immigration law.
Contact Jain Immigration Law today:
jainimmigrationlaw.com
[email protected]
CILA: Celebrating Advocacy, Community, and the Right to Counsel
Home » Blog » CILA: Celebrating Advocacy, Community, and the Right to Counsel
The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) has quickly grown from an idea – first shared in an email among colleagues – into a national organization representing immigration lawyers committed to justice, fairness, and strong advocacy.
Founded by a group of lawyers, including our own Ravi Jain (who sent that first email initiating the group), CILA was created to fill a gap in Canada’s immigration law landscape. From the outset, its mission was clear:
CILA’s founders not only invested countless volunteer hours but also contributed their own funds to launch the association. Today, CILA has become a leading voice in Canadian immigration law, respected for its work in policy advocacy, legal reform, and member support.
Championing the Right to Counsel
One of CILA’s defining issues has been the right to counsel. In recent years, the federal government has attempted to limit access to lawyers for vulnerable immigrants and refugees, raising serious concerns about justice and equality before the law.
The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of fairness in Canada’s legal system. Studies have consistently shown that access to competent legal counsel significantly improves outcomes for immigrants and refugees navigating complex proceedings (Canadian Bar Association, 2023). Without it, people face barriers that can result in unjust decisions and life-altering consequences.
During his time as President of CILA, Ravi Jain, alongside other dedicated leaders such as Randy Hahn, worked tirelessly to strategize and respond to these threats. That advocacy has now culminated in an action filed in Federal Court – an important step in ensuring that marginalized groups are not denied fair access to justice.
Looking Ahead: Supporting CILA’s Mission
At Jain Immigration Law, we are proud to support CILA’s mission and have contributed financially to this important cause. But the work cannot stop here. Protecting the right to counsel and strengthening Canada’s immigration and refugee systems requires sustained effort and broad support.
We encourage others to join us in supporting this critical effort. Donations to help fund the Federal Court action on the right to counsel can be made here: Donate to the Right to Counsel Fund.
The growth of CILA is a testament to what dedicated volunteers and professionals can achieve when united by shared values. As we look ahead, Jain Immigration Law remains committed to supporting CILA and its mission to ensure justice, fairness, and excellence in immigration law.
jainimmigrationlaw.com
[email protected]