Black History Month  Mr. Speaker, February is internationally known and recognized as Black History Month. It gives us an opportunity to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black Canadians to the community of Orléans and to all of Canada. This year's theme, “Ours to tell”, invites us to engage in open dialogue and commit to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their triumphs and experiences.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, we are taking every step to address the backlog in the short term while making Canada's immigration system more sustainable in the long term. Allow me to be very candid. We have processed approximately 4.8 million applications in total, nearly double the number of the year before.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, I have to say that if it was a matter of will, there would be 40,000 Afghan refugees here already, but there are obstacles that are beyond certain control. As the member just said, the minister did meet him, but let me remind this House of the last numbers we have.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, Quebec continues to be one of the government's valued partners, and we recognize that the province is working hard to support asylum seekers. Our government has provided $534.5 million in assistance to the provinces, including $374 million to Quebec to alleviate the pressure of housing asylum seekers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, francophone immigration plays a key role in promoting the French language across Canada and Quebec. I would remind my colleagues that Quebec determines its selection criteria for the majority of immigrants in Quebec, including language skills. We will always respect the jurisdictions of Quebec and we will continue to work with them.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is well aware that the Canada-Quebec accord gives the province the exclusive authority to select the majority of its immigrants. As I said, we have always respected and will always respect Quebec's jurisdiction over immigration. I know that our government is working very closely with Quebec to improve that framework.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, today, this is the first time that I will answer a question concerning francophone immigration and its importance for Quebec and the rest of Canada. I would like to point out to the House, because I do not know if I will have another opportunity, that this is the first time ever that we have met the target of 4.4% of francophone immigrants outside Quebec in Canada.

Retirement Congratulations  Mr. Speaker, today I am going to dedicate my first statement of 2023 to recognizing someone special from my constituency who has served us all for many years. Lise Séguin, a resident of Orléans, is a nurse counsellor with the House of Commons occupational health and safety department.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, with respect to parts (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e), as well as to the establishment of immigration levels in Canada and their effect on the Francophone presence in Canada, IRCC has not conducted the type of impact studies referenced in the inquiry. The immigration levels plan is developed following extensive consultations with the provinces and territories, stakeholders and the general public.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, is concerned, the answer is as follows: With respect to part (a) of the question, bilateral engagement with Quebec on immigration matters is governed by the Canada-Quebec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens (Canada-Quebec Accord).

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is concerned, the 2021 post-graduation work permit, or PGWP, public policy facilitated access to 18-month open work permits, or OWP, to foreign nationals who had a PGWP expiring between January 20, 2020, and November 27, 2021.

Orléans Santa Claus Parade  On November 26, my team and I participated in the 25th Santa Claus parade in Orléans along St. Joseph Boulevard. A huge crowd of over 100,000 people attended this year. I want to thank the organizing committee, Bob Rainboth and our Ottawa firefighters for their outstanding work.

Non-Profit Organizations in Ottawa  Madam Speaker, on December 7, which also marks 101 years of women MPs in Canada, I had the honour to attend the Equal Voice fundraising gala. People gathered from across the country to recognize and celebrate women who have made a significant impact in politics. Since 2001, Equal Voice has been advocating for equal representation of women in Canada's Parliament, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question. Let us be clear, Canada benefits when diverse, engaged and independent young people are able to come from abroad to gain enriching work and life experience in this country. Yesterday, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a 20% increase in the number of people who can apply to the international experience Canada program for 2023.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Madam Speaker, let me be very clear. Closing Roxham Road or suspending the safe third country agreement will not solve the main problem. As the member opposite knows, Canada shares the longest demilitarized border in the world. Roxham Road enables public servants to collect ID from asylum seekers and prevent dangerous crossings.