I first want to thank all of you for coming here. I think we all want to thank the IRCC, Public Safety, the RCMP, and the CBSA. Your conduct has been exemplary and has made Canadians extremely proud. You're being responsible and compassionate, while at the same time ensuring that the safety and integrity of our borders are maintained. I want to give you kudos for that. It's been a proud moment being Canadian and watching you do your exemplary service.
My first question, which may be for Mr. MacDonald, is with respect to the safe third country agreement. We've heard a lot said in recent weeks on the safe third country agreement, but there seemed to be a lot of confusion about what the agreement is, how it works, and how it could be changed.
Is the government in negotiations with the Americans on amending the safe third country agreement? Could you inform the committee of what this “proposal” is? We've heard it referenced in the media. What does that mean? Can you confirm that any changes to the safe third country agreement must be done in partnership with the U.S.? Lastly, can Canada expand the agreement to apply between ports of entry unilaterally?