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Steve Ellis - failed Immigration Refugee Board Member

By immlawyer

Steve Ellis, a 'chubby, curly haired', former Immigration and Refugee Board Member is facing charges of breach of trust and bribery.

The 'dishevelled' Ellis was caught on tape (video and audio) allegedly propositioning a refugee claimant. Ellis has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Toronto Sun article here.

The recording apparently discloses a promise by Ellis for a favourable refugee decision. National Post article here. CTV story here.

Needless to say, it was inappropriate for him to desire a 'friendship' with a refugee claimant, and inappropriate to meet the claimant (the subject of adjudication) at her place of work, and then set up a subsequent meeting at Starbucks.

An adjudicator should have no business speaking with a claimant in any capacity outside of a hearing room. I don't believe that this was a deficiency in the training (which is quite extensive) of a Board Member, but rather the personal failings of an individual. He had to have known that what he was doing was wrong.

YouTube video here:

Full post as published by Canadian Immigration Blawg on February 25, 2010 (boomark / email).