Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As you are aware, we've been talking about our commitment to building a fast and flexible economic immigration system that focuses on finding people with the skills and experience required to meet Canada's economic needs. The previous government left a huge backlog, and it took applicants up to eight years. Some are still waiting.
I'd like to ask Mr. Grady first, and then Mr. Kurland, if you can explain how the federal skilled worker program backlog has become a major roadblock to Canada's ability to respond to our rapidly changing markets.