Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for coming on this important issue.
Before I get to my questions, I just want to say that I am very concerned about the rhetoric we saw from some of my Conservative colleagues in the last meeting that we had on this issue.
This is a very serious issue, and all Canadians want us to get answers on the security processes that are in place for people who are seeking to come to Canada, but as leaders we also have a responsibility to choose our words carefully. While we do our work, we must be careful not to cast aspersions on all immigrants or all Canadians from minority communities. Conservative members even sought to tie these cases to the Syrian refugee program, which they know is false. We must not fuel online hatred, which too often becomes real-world violence.
I came to this country as an immigrant to build a better life for my children. In a few days, it will be 25 years for me here. Because Canada is welcoming and a land of opportunity, so have many other people. Canadians from minority groups are too often the target of racism and discrimination.
I ask that we keep that in mind during this study.
Coming to questions, Minister, can you please outline the specific screening measures currently in place to prevent individuals with extremist ties from entering Canada?
Can you please elaborate on the portion of this security screening that the IRCC is responsible for? What happens if IRCC does identify risk indicators on an application?