I call this meeting to order.
Welcome, everyone, to meeting 18 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on the main estimates for 2021-22 and the supplementary estimates for 2020-21.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from health authorities as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy in January 2021, in order to remain healthy and safe, all those attending the meeting in person must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others. Please wear a non-medical mask when moving in the meeting room, and preferably wear a mask at all times, including when seated. Maintain proper hand hygiene by using the provided hand sanitizers at the room entrance. Wash hands well with soap regularly.
As the chair, I will be enforcing these measures for the duration of the meeting. I thank all members in advance for their co-operation.
We welcome today the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. He is joined by officials from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration: Catrina Tapley, deputy minister; Hughes St-Pierre, assistant deputy minister, chief financial officer and comptroller; Marian Campbell Jarvis, assistant deputy minister, strategic and program policy; and Daniel Mills, assistant deputy minister, operations.
With this, we will start our meeting.
Minister Mendicino, please give your opening remarks. You have five minutes.
Thank you, Minister. The floor is yours.