Citizenship and Immigration committee  Again to build on previous answers, in the coming weeks, as soon as possible, we're trying to get the word out to allow the maximum time for people to prepare and submit their applications well before the August deadline.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I don't have that number, but presumably...the number of individuals that we suspect are still in the country, which is about 1,000, give or take.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  It's 1,000 individuals who may be able to benefit from the special measures.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  It's fair to say that this group of individuals reflects a diverse group, potentially. It may be individuals who have come and filed refugee claims that have been unsuccessful. It may also be individuals who have come here for work or other purposes and who have lost their status

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I just want to clarify that the numbers we're talking about are all under the previous program, which was in place between December 1 and June of 2015. In fact we have not yet started to process any applications received since the February 4 announcement.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'm sorry. I'm not aware of what other countries may have done or not done, but we could look into that, if you'd like, and get back to the committee.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  We're not in a position to answer that question. The decision to lift, impose, or maintain a temporary suspension of removal is actually under the authority of the Minister of Public Safety.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes. We're actually undertaking a fairly significant outreach campaign to try to reach those foreign nationals who would be affected and could benefit from these special measures. We issued a news release, as you may know, on February 5, particularly targeting media in Quebec,

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's right. We're trying very hard to get the message out and ensure individuals are aware. As my colleague mentioned, we are also trying to make it very clear that this is not an attempt at an enforcement action. This is in fact the government looking to assist these people in

Citizenship and Immigration committee  As I mentioned, there is establishment in Canada for those who are already in Canada when they are applying. There is the consideration of ties to Canada; the best interests of any children directly affected by the humanitarian and compassionate decision; factors in their country

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Just for clarification, this is what was taken into consideration in deciding to have the additional time. They were the same kinds of factors that were considered during the original decision. Ultimately, it was a decision made by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citi

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I have nothing to add. Thank you.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Are we talking about the applicants under the special measures, the applicants for humanitarian and compassionate consideration?

Citizenship and Immigration committee  To explain a little bit about our humanitarian and compassionate provisions, these are discretionary provisions under our act that allow the department and the minister to approve deserving cases that are not anticipated in the legislation, or for whom there would be a disproport