An investigation found that the Member did not breach the Code of Conduct for Members of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (the Code).The Complainant, designated representative for a refugee claimant, made 13 allegations following a hearing with a Member of the Refugee Protection Division. Six were screened out as they related to adjudicative independence—such as managing testimony and questioning—and fell outside the scope of the member complaints process.
The remaining allegations, which concerned the Member's conduct, were investigated. The Complainant claimed the Member was hostile, culturally insensitive, and manipulative. Upon review, the Ombudsperson found no evidence of hostility or disrespect. While the Member's questioning was direct, it remained professional, and their comments—including a compliment—appeared genuine and respectful. The Chairperson agreed with the findings and concluded there were no breaches of the Code.