Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome.
I call to order meeting number seven of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
This is a hybrid meeting. Some members are appearing in person in the parliamentary precinct and others are appearing remotely.
I remind all members to please speak at a pace slow enough for interpretation to keep up. The clerk will be tracking raised hands and keeping a speakers list, if needed.
Today we will be continuing our study on the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system.
I will take this opportunity to welcome our witnesses.
In the first panel, we have Canadian Immigration Connections, represented by Manprit Aujla-Grewal, immigration consultant. We also have the City of Greater Sudbury, represented by Meredith Armstrong, acting director, economic development. We have the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association, represented by Bela Ravi, president.
In the second panel, we have Robert Thiessen, as an individual. From the Hope Welfare Society we have Amit Kumar Verma, lawyer. From Collège Boréal, we have Daniel Giroux, president, as well as Baptiste Alain Bourquardez and Marc Despatie.
I welcome all the witnesses.
The witnesses will have five minutes for their opening remarks.
We will start with Canadian Immigration Connections. I welcome Manprit Aujla-Grewal. You have five minutes.