Thank you.
I want to thank the panellists for your presentations, and particularly the specific recommendations for things the committee might want to undertake. Although this sort of relates to cultural competency, one of the previous panellists raised the issue of racism and discrimination. The Deloitte report actually raises that issue as well. I'll read one brief quote from it:
Some immigrants say that they've been advised to change their name on their resumé or refrain from bringing 'different' or 'smelly' foods for lunch to fit in.
It goes on to talk about one particular employer who had a series of layoffs happening, and 85% of the people on a list of layoffs were highly educated, competent, and ambitious professionals, and all were foreign-born workers.
On the one hand, we're actively pursuing people to come to this country and work, and yet on the other hand it seems there are some real challenges towards integrating people into the workforce, once their credentials are even recognized. Are you aware of any programs that work with employers in Canada around increasing cultural sensitivity, so that when we do have people who are accredited they can then work?
Ms. Bourgeault, I'll start with you.