After escaping the war in Ukraine, Oksana Hrabova and Oleg Lomanov sought refuge in Canada and sought assistance from a Hamilton immigration lawyer, Victoria Bruyn, to secure their permanent residency. Despite paying nearly $3,000 as a retainer and submitting all required documents, Bruyn ceased communication with them in January, leaving their application incomplete. Hrabova expressed disappointment and disbelief at Bruyn’s behavior, highlighting the lack of accountability for newcomers seeking legal assistance in Canada.
Several families have come forward, recounting similar experiences with Bruyn failing to fulfill promises and jeopardizing their immigration status. The Law Society of Ontario revealed that Bruyn had ceased practicing law as of October 24, 2024, coinciding with her handling of immigration cases. Hrabova questioned the ethics of Bruyn’s actions, emphasizing the impact on people’s lives.
Bruyn, now a full-time adjudicator at the Landlord and Tenant Board, refuted the claims made by Hrabova and Lomanov, citing confidentiality constraints. Tribunals Ontario emphasized the rigorous ethical standards its adjudicators must adhere to, underscoring the importance of maintaining public trust.
Hrabova and Lomanov embarked on a challenging journey to Canada, saving diligently to afford legal representation. However, the couple now faces restarting the permanent residency process with a new lawyer after their ordeal with Bruyn. They have lodged complaints with the Law Society of Ontario and Hamilton police, seeking redress for their situation.
Similarly, Mauricio Fernandez Perdomo and Maria Jose Ramirez Bolanos, Colombian immigrants in Canada seeking refugee status, found themselves in limbo after entrusting their case to Bruyn through Legal Aid Ontario. Despite assurances from Bruyn, their application was never submitted, leading to a near-deportation scenario. The couple eventually secured asylum with the help of a new lawyer, averting a potentially dire situation.
Furthermore, the article highlights the plight of other individuals, including Andrea Pardo Rodriguez, Nelson Martinez Mora, and Sarah Arvanitis, who encountered distressing experiences with Bruyn’s legal representation. Arvanitis, in particular, faced a prolonged separation from her family due to the mishandling of her permanent residency application. Despite filing complaints with the Law Society of Ontario, the outcome did not meet her expectations, prompting ongoing advocacy for accountability and transparency in legal practices.
The narrative underscores the vulnerabilities faced by newcomers navigating the complex immigration system and the imperative for robust oversight to safeguard their rights and well-being.