Thank you, Madam Chair.
Minister, thank you for joining us today.
I wanted to discuss open work permits and students with you. A few times during our study on the pandemic, a number of actors from all education sectors shared their concerns about a large number of foreign students not completing their final year project.
Student body management, university presidents, as well as former students who have had to stop working owing to the pandemic, explained that, when post-graduation work permits expire before their holders have been able to gain sufficient work experience, the long-term plans of those who must stay in Canada are severely impacted.
As you know, foreign students are excellent candidates for permanent residence in Canada. It is extremely important to make efforts to preserve their ongoing contribution to our country and our economy, especially during a pandemic.
Can you tell the committee members about the new provisions of the post-graduate work permit program?