Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 33 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
The Board of Internal Economy requires that committees adhere to the following health protocols: maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others; wear a non-medical mask unless seated, and preferably wear a mask at all times, including when seated; maintain proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizers provided in the committee room, and regularly wash your hands well with soap.
As the chair, I will enforce these measures and I thank you all for your co-operation.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of January 25.
I would like to outline a few rules to follow. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You may speak in the official language of your choice. At the bottom of your screen, you may choose to hear floor audio, English, or French. With the latest Zoom version, you do not need to select a corresponding language channel before speaking. The “raise hand” feature is on the main toolbar should you wish to speak.
I remind everyone that all comments should be addressed through the chair. When you are not speaking, your microphone should be muted.
The committee clerk and I will maintain a speaking list for all members.
With that said, we will go to today's meeting. Pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), the committee is considering the supplementary estimates (A), 2021-22, specifically vote 1a under Department of Citizenship and Immigration, referred to the committee on Thursday, May 27.
Appearing before us today is the honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Welcome, Minister. Thanks for joining the committee today. It's always a pleasure to have you at this committee and to hear about all of the important work you are doing.
He is joined by officials from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration: Catrina Tapley, deputy minister; Marian Campbell Jarvis, assistant deputy minister, strategic and program policy; Daniel Mills, assistant deputy minister, operations; Hughes St-Pierre, assistant deputy minister, operations, and chief financial officer and comptroller.
Welcome, all. Thank you for always appearing before the committee when needed. We will start with opening remarks from the minister.
Minister, thanks a lot once again. You will have five minutes for your opening remarks, and then we will go into the round of questioning.
The floor is yours. Please proceed.