Citizenship and Immigration committee  Federally regulated jobs, that is those in the banking and transportation sectors, come under federal jurisdiction. However, employment in other sectors is provincially regulated.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  With regard to the process, that's beyond my area of expertise. If you have a specific question, we'd be happy to respond in writing--perhaps with the other questions, if the chair agrees.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  We work within the parameters that we're given. We're trying to do our best to make sure we're responding to the various needs that employers and the workers are placing on us. It's a challenge, but I think we're moving the yardstick forward.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  At this point, no, it's not.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  At this point we aren't looking at exit controls. I think given the trade relationship with the United States, the back and forth, and the concerns we have now with maintaining an open border, it would be of considerable expense and would have to be looked at in the context of the broader international trade and mobility agenda.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I think some of the key aspects of the work that's ongoing will be very helpful in bringing additional clarity to processes for the applicants and for those who are using the program. For example, with temporary foreign workers, since 2006 we've been taking administrative measures to simplify the process for employers to make it easier for it to be understood by employees and employers alike.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's right.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, all provinces and the Yukon have agreements with CIC to be able to nominate individuals who meet their specific economic or demographic needs. For many provinces, that would include individuals who wouldn't necessarily meet the federal skilled criteria.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Most provincial nominee programs do lead to immediate permanent residence. They're processed as we would process any other skilled worker applicant overseas—but on a priority basis.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's one of the issues we struggle with, in that there are a number of people waiting to come to Canada legitimately, who have been playing by the rules and are waiting their turn to be processed. There are others who are taking advantage of programs that provinces offer to come forward, and do so legally, whereas others choose to remain after they've gone through a number of processes, or after their legal status has expired, and are in the country and working underground for the most part.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes. In fact, a couple of programs were put forward, one in 1973 and another in 1983, and take-up was much less than had been anticipated. There may have been a fear of coming forward or of receiving some sanction for having been in Canada without status. Certainly given the debate in the United States, while the scope of the problem is much larger there, it is a difficult issue.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  As I think Mr. Kenyon said earlier, the current regulations are very directive, so should certain thresholds be met for an employer, HRSDC shall issue a labour market opinion. For Citizenship and Immigration or for the Border Services Agency, subject to a temporary foreign worker meeting certain thresholds, we are obliged to issue the work permit.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's right.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Correct.