The red tape around the applications is still a problem. Businesses told me that more than 200 workers were waiting to be admitted to the country because of all the red tape at IRCC. LMIAs aren't the only problem. IRCC is the main player in that domain.
That's why we would like to meet with you, Minister, as soon as possible. We are talking about major problems. There is a lot of focus on food security and export capacity, but the workforce has to be available. I hope you will accept our invitation.
Now I have a very quick question for you.
During the pandemic, workers received open permits instead of closed permits, and a lot of businesses complained, at least in my region. They lost foreign workers, not because they were mistreating the workers, but because another employer had offered them a few extra dollars an hour, on site. That makes things harder for the businesses that initially sought out those workers. They assumed the costs of bringing those people to the country, so there is a cost attached to all that, as you, yourself, mentioned, Minister.
Currently, are closed work permits actually closed?