National Defence committee  That is not, at this time, fully known. As you are aware, this was not just BGRS and SIRVA Canada. This was worldwide. The company is still working through the analysis in that regard, and we expect—

National Defence committee  Again, Mr. Chair, I can't give you the total number because, at this point, that has not been fully validated, either by the company or then, by extension, as we get the information to know that.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, there are a number of things. The website is back up with additional protective measures. We are looking at the contracting clauses so that, as we go forward, we can ensure that we have a more robust requirement contractually to provide that protection.

National Defence committee  I'd like to expand on two elements of exactly what we're doing. The first would be the work that the Canadian Forces morale and welfare services is doing to deliver a spousal employment program, which is already delivering success, and I will give you two clear examples of that.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, if I understand the context of the individual—because, obviously, I can't recall all of the names of those who have potentially raised a question—I believe what you're referring to is called an "intended place of residence move". When you have served a certain number of years or if you are released medically, you have the entitlement to relocate to a location that is your choice.

National Defence committee  Is $30,000 enough? Honestly, that depends on everyone's individual situation. For example, did the person buy a house that, because of the location, will be easy to resell? There are a number of factors in what individuals choose to do, and what they may choose to do to sell, but the $30,000 was the amount, in conjunction with the RCMP and the remainder of the public service, that was deemed to be equitable to try to address this.

National Defence committee  We're working on that issue, looking at whether we should offer an incentive to encourage people to move to places that aren't as desirable. It's one of my many initiatives. Thank you.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, I'll jump in to provide at least the first part of the answer to that. The reality is that those who live on base are approximately only 20% of the overall Canadian Armed Forces population. Most Canadian Armed Forces members live off the base and rent from the economy or actually buy a house, just like any other Canadian would.

National Defence committee  Thank you for the question. It is true that we do not have the capabilities I would like to have to compile the data that would enable us to say whether the military members are satisfied or not. It is a piece that we are certainly working on. We're in the process of retendering that particular contract.

National Defence committee  Thank you for the question. If it's okay with you, I will answer in English. I believe where that question originated is that since we brought in the new contract in 2018, last year we went through a period of a significant recovery of funds from members. That had not occurred since we had brought the contract in, for a number of reasons.

National Defence committee  I can't give you hard numbers, in terms of a connection between those two particular issues. I can respond in terms of our broader understanding of joining the Canadian Armed Forces. What is of value to you in joining the Canadian Armed Forces? What is the value proposition? Obviously, housing is a consideration.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chair, thank you. Those are three very good questions, and I will endeavour to answer them in order. First and foremost is what I spoke to regarding the rations and quarters remittance when you join the Canadian Armed Forces and go through your preliminary training. For basic training in Saint-Jean, followed by whatever occupation or trade training you need to undertake, during that entire time frame, if you are in our quarters, and you are eating in our mess halls, you are neither paying for your room nor paying any costs for the food you are provided.

National Defence committee  Thank you for the question, Mr. Chair. That's perhaps difficult to unpack in a very short time. Essentially, there are two pieces we provide to members, in terms of support. The first one is for while you have your house listed. If you decide you're going to relocate and sell your house, and you're maintaining a residence in another location, there's a period of time during which we provide an allowance.

National Defence committee  The Canadian Forces housing differential was fully implemented as of July 1. What we were not able to deliver as of July 1 was the programming for our pay system. That has now been completed, and we're delivering not only the Canadian Forces housing differential to members but also the programming that allows us to deliver the provisional post living differential to members.

National Defence committee  Good afternoon. I'm Brigadier General Virginia Tattersall, director general of compensation and benefits. I'd like to take this opportunity to speak to the concerns around housing for military members and their families. Affordability and availability of housing are concerns for all Canadians.