Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I have a specific question. I am the M.P. for a very large area in the province of Quebec: the Laurentian area, north of Montreal. You are saying that 80% of immigrants, refugees or newcomers are always going tothree large centres: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
What could the government do to encourage newcomers or refugees to go to areas like mine where there are very few resources and no immigration officer close to the community to welcome and support them? People from another culture must have an incredible willpower and courage to settle in areas where they are greatly needed. You just need to think about the farming community where there is a huge succession issue. These people could probably be an added value for our area, but they have no access to services.
Newcomers must also learn a new language. In most cases, they don't speak French or English. They must then be supported by community agencies that have very few or no resources. They are directed towards literacy groups. Yet, we know that the government is intending to cut into these resources. Newcomers must then depend on voluntary agencies.
Do you think that the government could put citizenship and immigration officers in our Service Canada offices? These officers could go there as required to help people who would like to settle in our area.