So, Mr. St-Cyr, you have big shoes to fill.
I want to welcome two panels today.
Our first panel will be officials from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, Mr. Les Linklater, director general of the immigration branch; Maia Welbourne, director of temporary resident policy and programs development, immigration branch; and Mr. Eric Stevens.
Welcome to all of you as we begin consideration of Bill C-17. Thank you for coming today.
We have a new analyst at the table as well; Laura Barnett is from the law and government division. Laura will be helping us with our consideration of Bill C-17.
We will begin immediately.
I will pass it over to you to make some opening statements if you so wish.