Citizenship and Immigration committee  Extra money was allocated for the appointment of those new members.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, that was with new resources.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'm sorry, but what were the numbers you gave?

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Well, I can tell you, sir, it's certainly not that the IRB didn't want to do its work or didn't try to do its work.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  The fact of the matter is that, as the minister indicated, two things happened over that period of time. First of all, the number of refugee claims continued to increase dramatically. Second, it of course took some time for the new government, following the implementation of a new selection process for GIC members, to establish the process and to then decide on new appointments and reappointments.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you to discuss Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act. I know we do not have a lot of time today but, since this is my first appearance before the Committee, I would like to take a minute to introduce myself.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. I guess the first thing I would say is that we were very pleased with both the process that was undertaken by the Auditor General and her officials and the outcome. It required a lot of work on our part. We're not a department, and there was an incredible amount of information requested.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, I'm not aware of anyone who is waiting five years, not before the Immigration and Refugee Board. They may be waiting to have their status finally determined. I'm not sure. Are you referring to sponsorship applications?

Public Accounts committee  Well, I'm not aware of any case before the Immigration and Refugee Board that has taken five years.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, it's important to understand—I think I mentioned the figures for the last three years—that intake is very volatile. It's dependent on world events, migration patterns, all kinds of things. For example, it's dependent on policies from our neighbour to the south, where people have come through the United States.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, I believe I know the case to which you're referring.

Public Accounts committee  No, I'm not going to get personal, but I think it's important to recognize that this person was appointed under a former process, not under the current process. It was the determination of Minister Finley that everyone should have to go through the new process and everyone—

Public Accounts committee  Yes, even former people.

Public Accounts committee  No, I wouldn't say that. I would say it's rigorous. The fact of the matter is that one of the criticisms of Mr. Harrison was that one could proceed to an interview without receiving a passing mark on the test.

Public Accounts committee  I have made every minister—and there have been three since I was appointed interim chairperson in March 2007—and every minister's chief of staff and appointments person aware of the increasing intake and of the difficulty that was being posed by the shortage of members.