Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
My questions, first and foremost, are for Ms. Silas. They're related to the whole issue of recruitment.
You were very clear in your opening statement, when you identified both recruitment and retention issues. Many of the questions posed to you this morning have revolved around the retention issue, but I want to speak to recruitment. I know our government has made some substantial investments in that area. I was hoping to get your understanding in terms of what we can do to encourage more people to enter the profession.
Ms. Silas, the foreign credential recognition program is currently active in many provinces and territories. I think it's to everyone's benefit that we integrate internationally trained immigrants into the workforce. There are literally thousands of foreign-trained doctors and nurses who are waiting to provide their expertise and their training, and for it to be recognized here in Canada.
I've been wondering about that program. I know the minister recently made another very large announcement of $26 million for 11 programs related to the same. Do you see the foreign credential recognition program currently working? Is there more we can do in that area to bolster the numbers on the recruitment side of the labour shortage issue?