Citizenship and Immigration Committee on March 10th, 2021

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Given the way the minister is doing all these reforms, if he continues to do them over the next few years, I might, if I ever decide to retire from politics, be able to write a book on him.

Minister, let's get back to Canada. Boston Consulting Group over the last little while has done a survey of 200,000 people across 190 nations. Canada has been the number one destination and the number one desirable place to come to work.

Minister, could you please tell us some of the reforms that you're bringing in to integrate our society and our economy through immigration?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Once again thank you, Mr. Dhaliwal, for your question and for your passionate advocacy in the area of immigration. We are often in touch, and you are a great champion for your community. I firmly believe also that you appreciate the opportunities that immigration affords. I am the son of an immigrant family. I am not so far removed from what it means to come to Canada to build the next chapter of one's life and to take full advantage of the opportunities here in Canada.

I only pause to underline that, because this is the core value that underpins our immigration plan for 2021 and beyond. It's a plan that I believe will accelerate our economic recovery by our continuing to grow through immigration.

As I've laid out before, the many innovations that we have introduced in this past year are not only about creating new pathways for those who are abroad—and I recognize that we continue to operate in a very complex environment, as we are not out of the pandemic yet, and I look forward to the moment when we can get back to life as normal, as I'm sure we all do—but equally about looking at the domestic temporary talent pools that are already in Canada: the workers, the international students who are already here contributing, for example, in the health care sector.

I believe we are at a juncture at which we can provide the reinforcements—the second shift, as I've said before—to fight the second wave of the pandemic by incentivizing people who are here, who are young and who are studying very hard to apply all of the skills and the trades that they have acquired at one of our first-rate educational institutions across Canada. By doing so, we will accelerate our ability to get out of the pandemic, accelerate our economic recovery, but equally address the long-term demographic challenges, which are very sobering.

The fact of the matter is that we need immigration, and if we don't find ways to create new pathways, all of the things that brought your family and mine here—access to public health care and education and retirement security—could potentially be compromised. We don't want that. Our plan aims to preserve those values, and that's why, going forward, I am optimistic that Canada will continue to be a top destination of choice for newcomers.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Madam Chair, I'm coming back to international students. When I've talked to them over the last few months, they have proved very happy and have greatly benefited from the support the Prime Minister has provided to international students through CERB and also through the immigration reforms brought in by the minister. They are very happy about some of the reforms that the minister brought forward.

Moving forward, even though the minister has mentioned some of the things he has done, my intention is for him to tell us about some of the innovations he is bringing in so that international student education here in Canada will be number one and a model for the world.

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

The international student program is a great driver of our economy. As I have indicated to the committee before, in a typical year we see over $21 billion contributed to our economy.

It's not just about the economy. Each and every one of the international students who come to Canada to take up an education also adds to our social fabric. The innovations in that program that we've introduced have allowed international students to start their classes online abroad without any penalty to taking up work after they graduate. By introducing those twin innovations, we've kept the corridor open. We are seeing international students come, but they're coming in a manner that is safe and orderly.

That will be good for them. It will good for our economy. It will be good for Canada.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you.

We will now proceed to Madame Normandin. You have two and a half minutes for your round of questioning.

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Minister, I would like to come back to your answer concerning your openness to reviewing certain programs to make things easier for employers who need workers.

We are seeing that, even during the health crisis, the unemployment rate is high and that, despite this, labour shortage is still a concern.

Past reports from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration have suggested to create LMIAs and to consider an accelerated process for employers with a good reputation. Another suggestion was to replace LMIAs with an approach that would be more focused on the employer.

The Bloc Québécois is also suggesting that the department carry out LMIAs focused more on regions or types of employment, expand the scope and duration of LMIAs, and increase the work permit validity period.

Considering that the suggestions in that last report have not yet been taken into account, how can the minister assure us that the suggestions made in the next report will be properly assessed?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

That is a good question, Ms. Normandin.

I remain open to ideas and suggestions.

However, I will add that we have already adopted a number of measures related to COVID-19 to support the key economic sectors. The program prioritizes the processing of applications involving professions considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Quebec, to support efforts related to the health crisis, the program is exempt from minimal requirements involving certain health care professions.

During the 2020 season, under the seasonal agricultural worker program, or SAWP, employers could request that employment be extended beyond eight months. What's more, under the SAWP and the agricultural component, employers have some flexibility in presenting housing inspection reports when the appropriate authority is unable to carry out an inspection. Those are a few examples of innovation in terms of this priority.

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Minister, are you open to extending this to non-essential employment in the future?

For instance, various businesses that need welders in a region where there are none must submit an LMIA application individually.

Have you considered this aspect of the problem?

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I'm sorry for interrupting, Madame Normandin. Your time is up.

Ms. Kwan, you will have two and a half minutes for your round of questions.

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The minister said he would be happy to work with me on the Hong Kong measures. My door is wide open 24-7. I've submitted many suggestions to the minister and I'm ready to work with him at any time to get those going.

Recently, we learned of the caregiver who committed suicide after failing the language test 26 times. If a caregiver has secure employment here, clearly they're able to communicate effectively in their work. Why do we need to make them take these extra language tests?

In the U.K., for individuals who would not be entering into more technical professional fields, there is a shorter, level 2 skill test that could be used. If the government won't get rid of the language test, will the minister adopt the U.K. model?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

I hear you, Ms. Kwan. Obviously, my sympathies are extended to that family and all of our caregivers who have provided extraordinary contributions during the pandemic, and not during just the past year but for quite some time.

As I've said before, I engage routinely with the caregiver community. I have heard the same concerns expressed around language requirements. I continue to look for ways to have a program that welcomes caregivers, that provides flexibility, that allows them to sponsor their families. We have made tremendous progress in this pilot program. We will continue to find ways to ensure that caregivers are welcomed to Canada and can stay in Canada should they choose to.

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Sorry, the minister didn't answer the question about language testing. He said he's looking for ways. Well, here's the U.K. model. That would be a way.

Previously, actually, the government used to allow for some discretion, for the official in assessing the passing of the tests, to make those decisions. Will he at least bring that back?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

As I've said, Ms. Kwan, I'm certainly open to considering any suggestion you may have on language requirements, but I was just making the point that we have, in fact, incorporated a number of suggestions to make this program stronger, to be more inviting, to be more flexible around work permits, and as well to be more flexible around family reunification, all of which has been to the good with regard to this program.

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

All right, thank you, Minister.

On the issue around language testing, here's another suggestion. We can actually separate all the tests so that they can actually do the writing test, reading test, listening test, speaking test all separately. If they pass one it stays on the record, and they don't have to do all the tests all over again if they fail one.

On another issue with caregivers, I wrote to the minister—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I'm sorry for interrupting, Ms. Kwan. Your time is up.

Now we will end our second round of questioning with Mr. Hallan and Mr. Regan. Both will have two and a half minutes for their rounds of questioning.

Mr. Hallan, you can please start.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Minister, around 300,000 Canadians live in Hong Kong. Many of them are dual nationals. More and more there are indications that the Hong Kong government is forcing dual citizens to choose one nationality, putting them in the very difficult position of whether their right to live in Hong Kong...versus access to Canadian consular assistance. What is the government doing to ensure that Canadian citizens maintain the right to access consular services?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

I will take you back to the evidence that has been offered by our consul general in Hong Kong, who says that they stand at the ready to provide support for those who wish to travel to Canada. As proof of that, we have seen the numbers of people coming from Hong Kong travelling to Canada increase in the past year, in the worker category and in the student permit category. This is in addition to the existing pathways that we have, as well as the historic initiative, the Hong Kong initiative, which I introduced last fall. It also included protections for those exercising their right to peaceful protest. We will continue this work in close concert with our officials on the ground in Hong Kong.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Respectfully, Minister, a lot of people are left out of that program.

We have heard that Hong Kong is blocking the exit of protesters who have engaged in the pro-democracy movement. What is the government doing to ensure that Canadians will always have the right to exit Hong Kong?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Well, first, Mr. Hallan, Canadians do enjoy a right of return to Canada. They are able to exercise that right, obviously subject to the travel restrictions, whenever they wish.

My point to you is that for everyone else who wishes to travel to Canada, we have introduced additional protections for those exercising their rights. We will continue to work very closely with our partners in that region to ensure that they can come to Canada should they so choose.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Now, if travel documents of a Hong Kong resident are seized and they're seeking to flee to Canada, what options do they have?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Well, our consular officials are there to provide assistance. They do so with the utmost professionalism. Again, I would take you back to the evidence offered by our consul general in Hong Kong.

In addition to that, we have exceptional public servants who are working across a range of departments, not only in Public Safety but in my department at IRCC, which also has a presence there. It allows me the opportunity to shine a light on the fact that they are able to facilitate the travel of more people in the last year coming from Hong Kong to Canada, whether to work, whether to be reunited with their families, whether to study. That is proof of our progress—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I am sorry for interrupting, Minister. Your time is up.

We will now end our first panel with Mr. Regan.

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Minister, we've heard a fair bit about how Canada has responded to historical examples of the Chinese government's behaviour towards its citizens. It's brought up the comparison to what the government has done now, with regard to the immigration measures for the people of Hong Kong.

Can you tell us what's happening throughout the immigration system to facilitate safe relocation for people from Hong Kong? Has the Canadian government ever implemented, with this speed, measures like this in the past? Also, can you tell us about why, in your view, it was so important to make sure there were so many pathways and safeguards?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

It was important because the situation in Hong Kong is gravely concerning, as we have said on a number of occasions. That is why we have taken a very principled stand with regard to that situation, and it is one of the reasons we have created more pathways than ever. This is an unprecedented moment for us. We recognize the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong. One of the ways we are crystallizing that commitment is by creating those pathways, including the historic Hong Kong initiative, which I introduced last year and which has now been officially implemented. It's a program designed to attract those with experience and talent to come and start that next chapter of their life. In Hong Kong, it's one that also introduces additional protections for those who have exercised their right to peaceful protest—a value we take very seriously here in Canada. It is work we are undertaking with our officials across a range of departments in that part of the world as well as with our public servants here. As a result, I am confident that this program will indeed deepen the bonds between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Minister, the Atlantic immigration pilot is an important pilot program in Atlantic Canada. Over the years, this region has experienced population retention challenges that have had their own economic impacts. That program has been very successful. Can you provide an update on its status? I know we haven't got much time.