Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam Chair, I want to thank the honourable minister for being with us today and staying for the full two hours.
From the work we get in our offices, this immigration file is not a very easy one. This is probably one of the most tedious and difficult files, and I want to thank the honourable respected officials who have joined and the staff at IRCC for the work they do to serve Canadians every day.
I would also like to echo the comments made by the honourable member, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, that the minister has been very accessible to this committee and it shows in the number of appearances he has made. I also want to thank the minister for his recent visit to my riding of Surrey—Newton and for participating and responding to many questions and concerns from those at the grassroots level. The minister's hard work and advocacy are much appreciated, and I look forward to hosting him in Surrey again some time very soon.
My question to the minister, Madam Chair, through you, is this: On April 22, the honourable minister made an announcement that express-entry draws for the federal skilled worker and Canadian experience class candidates are set to resume in early July. With Canada having a low unemployment rate, a high number of vacancies, an aging population and a low work rate, could the honourable minister please touch on the importance of reopening the country to qualified skilled workers?