To be honest, I've been very pleasantly surprised with an extraordinarily positive response.
One thing I've learned in this job is not to underestimate the understanding new Canadians have of our immigration system. They understand we don't have the capacity to welcome everyone who wants to come to Canada, and certainly not everyone right away. They understand there are practical limits, even though we're maintaining the highest levels of immigration in Canadian history on a sustained basis, and the highest per capita in the developed world.
I have done dozens of radio talk shows, town hall meetings, and round tables since this announcement three weeks ago. The response that I've received has been that people appreciate this initiative because (a) it will substantially reduce the backlog in wait times for those currently in the parents' queue, and (b), it will increase the ability of parents and grandparents to visit their loved ones.
What many new Canadians tell me is that their elderly relatives—their parents and grandparents—don't necessarily want to immigrate permanently to Canada. They are well established in their country of origin where they have other family and friends. Many of them simply want to come to Canada on extended visits to perhaps help their children with childbirth, for example. The new super visa will help them to do so.
I found the response to be very positive.