In short, we will process 30,000 applications under the parent and grandparent program, which is a record high for any single year. It reflects yet another way in which we are demonstrating our fundamental belief in reuniting loved ones and families, despite the challenges of the pandemic. This is on top of the work we have done to reunite those who wish to visit their Canadian relatives here during the pandemic through visitor status. This is on top of the approximately 50,000 spousal sponsorship applications, which we prioritized.
I just want to pause, Mr. Dhaliwal, to say that we can't do this work without our public servants. They are the ones who are finding ways to dig deep, to innovate and to put their work to the task. Like everyone else, they've had to relocate their work. They've had to endure the same kinds of challenging circumstances as Canadians have right across the country. Notwithstanding those challenges, we are making progress when it comes to reuniting families. My gratitude goes out to my department and indeed to all public servants across the Government of Canada.