Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'm going to give you a very clear answer. The system hasn't really changed. It's just that since the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic, it has become even more impenetrable. In the past, the same thing would happen every time. On the other hand, the access to information system was not used as often, which meant that access to the information was faster, within 30 days.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Absolutely. It would enable the individual to know the reason for the decision. Often, there's simply a document missing. For example, if evidence of financial means is missing, a notification might be sent to people saying that their application is being refused because they do not intend to return to their country.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's right. With the right information in hand, people could submit another application because they would know what's missing right away.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Definitely.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  It's a proposal that should be given serious consideration. The problem with it is that the act currently assigns considerable authority to the immigration officer. So it might be a good idea to ensure the impartiality of the process. The act also says that if applicants are not satisfied with the decision, they can submit another application or request a judicial review.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  First, it's a decision in the right direction, as I mentioned in my opening remarks. However, we recommend going even further. If a student comes to Canada, you will probably know that the student is authorized to have, or can have, the right to apply for a work permit one year or three years after their graduation.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  You probably are also aware that anyone coming to Canada without a visa is still required to complete an eTA application or form. Approvals are very fast. Within 72 hours, I think, over 98% get approved. If for a short period of time we get through the backlog.... As we mentioned, the backlog is over 70% temporary residents, so what would happen is that many individuals wanting to come to Canada would go through the eTA if the country is exempt.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'd just like to clarify that. It's what is called dual intent. That's not exactly how it works. There is likely a misunderstanding of some of the details. The concept is outdated, obsolete, and the act should probably be updated in this respect. In fact, dual intent for someone means remaining longer than the period authorized on their permit without having applied to do so.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'll defer to Avni on this.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair and committee members, it is my pleasure to come before you as a witness on the issue of application backlogs and processing times. CAPIC represents over 4,000 immigration and citizenship consultants, who represent thousands of clients and applicants before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you for the question and bringing up this issue. I really want to discuss this. First of all, it's not a matter of what you know; it's a matter of how you protect the public. The client owns the privilege, and we have a very extensive letter by one of Canada's prominent constitutional lawyers and professors, Peter Hogg—

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I would appreciate if you would let me continue.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Good question. Thank you. Let me bring two things forward. Canada has a self-regulatory framework across the board. This is based on the Constitution and the way most of the provincial governments have decided to regulate their professions. Almost everywhere you will find self-regulation.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I would prefer staying in the developed countries because they look more like us. New Zealand, Australia and the U.K. have mostly government regulated groups.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  In the United States, it is the law society that regulates the lawyers.