Thank you, Chair.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking today on the traditional unceded lands of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples.

I would also like to acknowledge that I'm joined here by my colleagues, as already mentioned, from the Department of Finance, IRCC, and the Department of Global Affairs Canada.

Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong. We continue to monitor the situation as they navigate the impacts of the new article 23 national security legislation. While IRCC plays a significant role in the attraction, selection and integration of Hong Kong nationals in Canada, I would like to begin by contextualizing IRCC's role in your study of pension transferability and the access to the mandatory provident fund for Hong Kongers now residing in Canada.

The IRCC is responsible for the issuance of Canadian permanent resident cards, which prove permanent residency status. The cards contain information on the holder, including their nationality and their country of birth. IRCC adheres to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and international standards organization when determining the three-letter country codes listed on these status documents, drawing the information from the applicant's passport.

In our support of Hong Kong nationals, IRCC has taken concrete action by implementing special measures for those who wish to come or extend their stay in Canada, as well as those who wish to stay here permanently. In 2021 IRCC launched a public policy that allows eligible Hong Kong residents with recently completed post-secondary studies to apply for an open work permit valid for up to three years. That same year, we also launched two permanent resident pathways for Hong Kong nationals with Canadian post-secondary or work experience.

As of April 30, 2024, over 37,300 open work permits have been approved, and 7,300 individuals have been approved for permanent residence under these measures. Demand for these pathways remains high.

To ensure that no one loses their status in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application, a new public policy was launched on May 27, 2024, that will give certain applicants to the permanent resident pathways an opportunity to obtain a new open work permit and remain in Canada while they await a decision.

To be eligible, a client's application must have been accepted into processing by IRCC. The client has to have held a work or study permit in the three years prior to their submission of their permanent residence application. Work permits will be valid for up to three years, and may also be issued to eligible family members.

IRCC remains committed to taking action, where possible, to assist Hong Kong nationals in establishing themselves in Canada.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to join you today. We welcome any questions you may have.