I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 17 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from the health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on Thursday, November 25, 2021, to remain healthy and safe, all those attending the meeting in person are to maintain two metres of physical distancing and must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is highly recommended that the mask be worn at all times, including when seated. Attendees must maintain proper hand hygiene by using the provided hand sanitizers in the room. Please refrain from coming to the room if you are symptomatic.
This is a reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair. When you are not speaking, your microphone should be on mute and your camera must be on.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on February 1, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of differential outcomes in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada decisions.
It is my pleasure to introduce the witnesses for this important study. Today, we are joined in person by Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui, professor and member, Ontario steering committee, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. We are also joined by MD Shorifuzzaman, regulated Canadian immigration consultant, Guide Me Immigration Inc. The third group of witnesses for today's panel are Sharalyn Jordan, chair, and Aleks Dughman-Manzur, co-executive director, programming and advocacy, representing Rainbow Refugee Society.
Welcome to all of the witnesses. Thanks for appearing before the committee to provide your testimony on this important study. All the witnesses will be provided with five minutes for their opening remarks, and then we will go into rounds of questioning.
We will begin with Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui, representing the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Please begin. You have five minutes for your opening remarks.