Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My questions are for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.
Throughout this study, we've heard that immigration is seen as a potential mitigator of labour shortage challenges, which seem to be pervasive across all sectors but particularly for SMEs.
My riding is in northern Ontario. The rural and northern immigration pilot program is very popular amongst employers. Every time we have a round table with the chamber or with SMEs, they tell us that it is a vital component of their ability to continue to operate. The pilot program is scheduled to end in October of this year. I want to know if there is a plan to make this program permanent.