Since we have a quorum, I think we should get started. I want to apologize for being a little bit late, but our other committee didn't vacate the room on time.
Welcome, as we continue our hearings on the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada appointment process. I want to welcome our witnesses here today.
Mr. Joseph Allen, attorney and president of the Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association, welcome, sir. Janet Dench, Canadian Council for Refugees, executive director, welcome. From the Canadian Bar Association, Stephen Green, secretary, national citizenship and immigration law section, and Tamra Thomson, director of legislation and law reform.
Welcome to all of you, and again, our apologies for not starting on time. I think you know what the drill is; some of you have appeared before our committee before. I don't know if anyone is the spokesman for the group or if all of you will be making separate statements, but I will turn it over to you.
You are first on the list, Mr. Allen, to make opening statements if you have any.