CSIC thanks Atwell for guiding its early years and consumer protection work; John Koury takes the Public Interest Director seat
Toronto — At its July 14, 2007 meeting, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) named Yvonne Atwell an Honorary Member in recognition of her service as a Public Interest Director. Based in East Preston, Nova Scotia, Atwell stepped down after completing the standard three‑year mandate. The Board appointed John Koury of Duncan, British Columbia, to succeed her.
As a Public Interest Director, Atwell brought deep expertise and a consumer-first perspective to CSIC’s early work. She chaired the Nominations Committee and helped the Board navigate its formative years, strengthening oversight so immigration consultants served clients effectively from coast to coast.
A long-time community developer and researcher, Atwell has worked across government, community, and private sectors for more than three decades. A trailblazer in public life, she became the first Black woman elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998. At the time of her CSIC recognition, she served as executive director of the Community Justice Society, which delivers the Restorative Justice program for the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. She has contributed to numerous boards and action committees and authored notable reports on housing, health, small business, and employment affecting African Canadians. A life-skills coach and facilitator, she also owned and managed Atwell & Atwell Human Resource Consultants.
Board Chair John Ryan praised Atwell’s leadership and dedication, noting the profession had benefited greatly from her contributions and expressing hope she would remain an active advocate for high standards.
About CSIC: In 2007, CSIC was the national body for professional immigration consultants in Canada. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, its members were recognized as “authorized representatives” permitted to, for a fee, advise or represent individuals in immigration matters.
Editor’s note (updated 2025)
CSIC’s regulatory mandate concluded in 2011, when it was succeeded by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). In 2021, ICCRC became the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), Canada’s current regulator for immigration and citizenship consultants.