As I said, we continue to bring this recommendation forward about the minimum necessary income. We have pointed out that the introduction of the MNI and later the 30% increase have caused tremendous hardship for many Canadian residents. In particular, racialized Canadians, as we all know, tend to be overrepresented in low-wage jobs or in low income, and they have been disproportionately impacted by the MNI rule.
Until Canada dismantles structural disadvantage and ends income inequality, racialized Canadians—especially racialized immigrant women—will be disproportionately excluded from family reunification. We recommend that the MNI be eliminated to make the immigration system more fair and equitable and consistent with an anti-racism and feminist approach.
We welcome the opening of the parents and grandparents sponsorship program, but the number of spaces is too low. Many families have been waiting for years to reunite their family. In some cases, parents and grandparents have died and dependent family members have aged out. The cap on parents and grandparents sponsorship, rather than the lottery, is unfair, and it takes a heavy toll on families. We are, therefore, recommending that the cap be removed and that more resources be put into processing so that everyone who wants to reunite with parents and grandparents and who meets the criteria can apply and expect to get a decision within a reasonable amount of time.
I will hold off on discussing international students, since my colleagues from CIC and from the association of university teachers are here.
Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members.