I call the meeting to order.
This is meeting number 31 of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. It is Thursday, October 29, 2009. The orders of the day are that pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), we are undertaking a study of immigration application process wait times.
We have two witnesses today. From the Department of Citizenship and Immigration we have Ms. Claudette DeschĂȘnes, assistant deputy minister for operations. I feel as though you are part of the committee now. We also have Ms. Heidi Smith, director of permanent resident policy and programs. Thank you.
We look forward to hearing some preliminary comments, and then I know members of the committee will have some questions for you. Welcome again to the committee.