Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would first like to acknowledge that I'm speaking today on the traditional and unceded lands of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
I would also like to acknowledge that I'm joined by my colleagues from the Department of Finance.
Canada stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the people of Hong Kong. We continue to monitor the situation as they navigate the impact of article 23 of the new national security legislation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, has also implemented special measures to allow individuals from Hong Kong to come to Canada with pathways to permanent residence. The demand for these pathways remains high.
To help ensure that no one loses their status in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application, a new public policy was launched on May 27, 2024. This policy will give most permanent residence pathways applicants an opportunity to obtain a new open work permit and to remain in Canada while they await a decision.
As I said in my previous appearance before this committee on June 5, 2024, IRCC is responsible for issuing Canadian permanent resident cards. These cards intend to prove permanent residence status. Some individuals from Hong Kong are also using them as proof that they have left Hong Kong permanently.
In March 2021, the Hong Kong government indicated that it would no longer recognize British national overseas, or BNO, passports as identification. It appears that, at that same time, individuals with a permanent resident card associated with their BNO passport were no longer able to access their pension funds.
IRCC remains committed to taking action, where possible, to help Hong Kong nationals settle in Canada.
Thank you again for the opportunity to join you today. I look forward to answering your questions.