A Ukrainian couple, Oksana Hrabova and Oleg Lomanov, sought refuge in Canada due to the conflict in Ukraine. They engaged a Hamilton immigration attorney, Victoria Bruyn, to assist them with their permanent residency applications after paying her nearly $3,000. However, Bruyn ceased communication with them after receiving all required documents, leaving the couple feeling abandoned and hopeless.
Hrabova expressed disappointment, stating that while $3,000 might not seem like a significant sum, it was hard-earned money for them. They were shocked by Bruyn’s unresponsiveness, especially considering her professional status in Canada. Several other families have also come forward, sharing similar experiences of broken promises and inadequate support from Bruyn in navigating Canada’s immigration system.
Despite being a licensed lawyer, the Law Society of Ontario confirmed that Bruyn ceased practicing law on October 24, 2024, which was during the period she was handling Hrabova and Lomanov’s case. The couple and others expressed concerns about the lack of safeguards for newcomers seeking legal assistance and accountability for Bruyn’s actions.
Bruyn, now a full-time adjudicator at the Landlord and Tenant Board, refuted the claims made against her by Hrabova and Lomanov, citing confidentiality constraints preventing her from disclosing details. Tribunals Ontario emphasized the rigorous ethical standards and background checks their adjudicators are subject to, underscoring the importance of maintaining public trust.
A Year’s Savings Lost to Legal Mishandling
Hrabova and Lomanov, who endured hardships during the conflict in Ukraine, saved diligently for a year to afford Bruyn’s services. However, they now face restarting the permanent residency process with a new lawyer after lodging complaints with the Law Society of Ontario and Hamilton police.
In a separate case, Mauricio Fernandez Perdomo and Maria Jose Ramirez Bolanos, Colombian immigrants in Canada seeking refugee status, were left in limbo by Bruyn’s unfulfilled promises. Despite assurances from Bruyn, their application was never submitted, resulting in a deportation threat. They eventually secured legal assistance to halt deportation and successfully obtain asylum.
Legal Aid Disconnect and Deportation Threats
Another case involving Bruyn highlighted the ordeal faced by Andrea Pardo Rodriguez and Nelson Martinez Mora, Colombian nationals arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency due to immigration complications. Their experience, similar to others, underscored the consequences of legal mishandling and the importance of seeking reliable legal representation.
Despite facing challenges, these individuals persevered, sought new legal counsel, and ultimately overcame the obstacles posed by Bruyn’s shortcomings. The incidents shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by newcomers entrusting their immigration journey to legal professionals.
