Veterans Affairs committee  When we receive such claims, our doctor at the Halifax office examines the documentation. If he believes that the claim is supported with respect to post-traumatic stress syndrome, the doctor who deals with our files will approve the application.

Veterans Affairs committee  With respect to SISIP financial services, we don't track it per se. Once someone is on a claim, obviously we know where they are because they're active claimants, but once they leave the claim, we're not keeping track of them. But I understand that maybe the CF would have a tracking system to track those veterans after release.

Veterans Affairs committee  If we're going back to the ombudsman report of 2003, so that means going back to October of 2000, the cost to implement the recommendations would be well over $300 million. Those numbers were validated about two years ago. If we go back under section 15.1 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to 1985, that cost will escalate to well over $500 million.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, I could do that.

Veterans Affairs committee  Maybe this will be a multi-faceted answer, but when we look at SISIP...we're making it very simple for claimants. Essentially we have one application form that deals with the application process. Once we are aware that someone is going to be released for a medical reason, typically up to nine months, the process starts, and within three months...within six months of the date of release, we have the vocational rehabilitation plan, which typically is already in progress, and on the date of release the financial benefits start.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you for your question. Of the five recommendations we have, the last three recommendations you have on the sheet have all been carried out. Some of them were to put all our policies and application forms on the website. There was also a communication through CANFORGEN with bases.

Veterans Affairs committee  I would agree, but it's difficult for me to comment on what it should be. As I've mentioned, we work with the policy within a very specific framework and this is what we have to live with. This should not be the Government of Canada's policy with respect to those things. Is it the right construct or not?

Veterans Affairs committee  I believe that Colonel Blais would be in a better position to answer your question.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. The policy as it is written does not make a distinction like the CPP or the CFSA. It's all classified under a list of reductions. In the broad sense, it's classified as being essentially benefits. Some of it is also income; the CFSA is income.

Veterans Affairs committee  With respect to SISIP, it doesn't matter for what reason the CPP is being received. If someone is in receipt of CPP disability, it is part of the list of offsets under the policy, so it would be reduced from the 75%.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's right. We're kind of considered a last payer, but in fact we pay first. We will pay upfront 75% of benefits at the time of the member's release. Then the member signs a statement of understanding that should they get benefits from CPP, the Pension Act, or earned income, they have to report this, and then the 75% will be adjusted accordingly.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's correct.

Veterans Affairs committee  In terms of benefits, essentially the benefit structure has not changed since the implementation of the new charter in 2006, where the charter introduced a disability award effective April 2006 and essentially cancelled the monthly Pension Act benefits. The amount of a disability award, which is a lump sum amount that is clearly for pain and suffering, is not an offset against any SISIP benefit that someone receives.

Veterans Affairs committee  The fact is, we don't make the distinction that the monthly Pension Act is a form of income. When it was included in the list of deductions in 1976, it was considered through Treasury Board, when the TB submission was made and approved, that anyone in receipt of this, I can say in quotations, “income” or benefit...it would become an offset against the SISIP LTD.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman and honourable members of Parliament. Merci beaucoup for inviting us here today to answer any questions pertaining to our mandate to deliver the long-term disability and vocational rehabilitation programs. This is a Government of Canada employer-sponsored plan for the men and women of the Canadian Forces.