Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Minister, for commenting on the various activities of the committee here.
I know Mr. Telegdi raised the issue of the shortage of skilled workers and temporary foreign workers. Almost every part of our economy in Canada is robust, and there is a significant need in that area. Of course, he's talked about the undocumented workers and how they may fit into the program, but it seems to me we are providing a somewhat legitimate avenue or stream for people to come into our country to meet the needs of that robust economy. I know you've mentioned the provincial nominee program, but we also have other programs, and I'm particularly interested in the Canadian experience class.
I might add that we have had a fairly robust budget. There is $51 million with respect to the temporary foreign worker program, $34 million in selecting the immigrants whose skills and experience Canada needs, and of course a $1.3 billion budget over five years for the integration programs for newcomers.
Having said that, I'm particularly interested in the Canadian experience class because it certainly allows for foreign students to come into our country. It allows for temporary foreign workers to make a leap into something that's more permanent. I've had the opportunity to make an announcement of your extension of the off-campus work permits for private institutions, and that went over very well in both Edmonton and in Winnipeg. In fact, Diane McGifford, the Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy said with respect to that one portion of the program:
There are almost 3,000 international students attending post-secondary schools in Manitoba, many of them at private institutions. The expansion of the Off-campus Work Permit program will mean more international students will bring their skills, knowledge, and their own distinctive perspectives to our workplaces.
In terms of legitimizing ways for people to come into our country and meet the needs, particularly with respect to the Canada experience class, could you comment on what's being done?