I call the meeting to order.
We will start our meeting with the officials for this one hour.
We will be going through the economic imperative and long-term importance of small rural municipalities outside of major cities retaining new immigrants. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, May 26, the committee is now commencing its study of this topic.
We are joined by officials from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. I would like to welcome Ms. Catrina Tapley, deputy minister; Ms. Caitlin Imrie, acting assistant deputy minister, settlement and integration; Ms. Marian Campbell Jarvis, assistant deputy minister, strategic and program policy; Mr. Daniel Mills, assistant deputy minister, operations; and Mr. Hughes St-Pierre, assistant deputy minister, chief financial officer and comptroller.
Thanks to all of you for appearing before the committee. Will you be doing opening remarks, or would you like us to go into the round of questioning?