Thank you, Mr. Redekopp, for asking this important question.
I would say, when it comes to the caregiver program.... This program was offered in 2018, and there are many applicants from inside Canada and outside Canada who chose this program to come to Canada—some are vulnerable—with the hope that, after a few months of experience, they would be able to submit their PR application and they would be able to bring their family members to Canada. Unfortunately, however, what happened was the priority of the IRCC shifted to other programs.
I understand that COVID has had a serious impact on business, but I don't know how and why other parts of the government are functioning pretty well after this COVID situation, while if you look at the situation in immigration, the work efficiency is a matter of pushing. What happened is this program has been completely neglected by the IRCC.
These people had a valid work permit. They requested an extension. They asked for the valid status, but their application is pending. There are no decisions on their application, which is why they couldn't even renew their health cards and other basic facilities that they need from inside Canada from the social services department.
What's happened is that they are living in a situation where they do not have any hope. They do not have anything. They have left their family for over four years and they can't even see their family members.
I would say, unlike other programs, such as.... As you mentioned, the people from the Philippines and other countries are the majority of people who came to Canada under this program. There are Bangladeshis and Indians as well. I received over 200 inquiries in the last two weeks and they're asking us to look into this matter.
While we are focusing on other economic classes and other programs, we should always care about these people as well, who are giving their best to protect our communities and the vulnerable.