I understand how important it is to have that positive ratio in terms of managers to clients.
You also said that the modern-day veteran population numbers are on the rise, and that many of these modern-day veterans are being released from service with more complex health and re-establishment needs.
Last week the veterans' ombudsman was here. He gave us some statistics, and I want to run these by you.
The department's own life-after-service studies show that two-thirds of Canadian Forces former regular force personnel released between 1998 and 2007 are not receiving benefits. However, 54% of those report at least one physical health condition; 13% report at least one mental health condition; and many report chronic health conditions [following on] three decades of high operational tempo.
So potentially a lot of people are going to need services. You've indicated that it's important to keep the ratios down and to make sure those services are truly effective.
The ombudsman worried that needs would not be met.