Thank you, Chair.
I'm acknowledging our presence on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
We are here to discuss a matter we take very seriously—the protection of vulnerable migrants against human trafficking, smuggling and organized crime.
IRCC plays an important role, both in combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as protecting the rights and dignity of migrants who are either entering or are already in Canada. Our top priority is to maintain the integrity of our programs and promote safe and regular migration while also ensuring that we are humane and compassionate in our approach towards migrants.
Victims may enter Canada through a number of routes, whether as international students, workers, caregivers and visitors, or with a non-valid immigration status.
It should of course be noted that, with nearly 110 million people displaced globally, the world is facing a global migration crisis, and Canada is not alone in feelings its impacts.