Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, but I would reiterate, Mr. Chair, that we are also reducing the workload by an equivalent amount. We are not asking the approximately 2,000 people who will be staying to do the work of 4,000 people. We're actually reducing the work. As it relates to Ste. Anne's, that respo

Veterans Affairs committee  They're there to facilitate. They're there for the veteran. They're there to have those discussions about rehabilitation, what programs.... Also, it's really important to note that the veteran can bring family members to these discussions, or a trusted friend, whoever the veteran

Veterans Affairs committee  There are basically two processes: one for those who are medically released, and another for those who are releasing maybe because they're retiring or taking a job elsewhere.

Veterans Affairs committee  For medical release, we have a casualty notification process. If a veteran is injured overseas or in Canada, we have an automatic notification of that injury. We automatically get that out to our caseworker in whatever city it may be. In the early days, the lead is with the case

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, we must get it right for the veterans. Transformation is not about what we're doing today or tomorrow. It's about laying out a framework for modern-day veterans, not unlike what was laid out for war-era veterans. So we're laying the groundwork for transformation for the ne

Veterans Affairs committee  I couldn't tell you off the top of my head, but last year we probably did about 20. I think the important part is that we did it with the Canadian Forces. Standing next to me, my deputy, or one of my ADM colleagues was the chief of military personnel or the deputy chief of person

Veterans Affairs committee  That is correct. Certainly, the big win has to do with the VIP, which we've talked about. Also, it's giving us other opportunities for streamlining. If you go to the budget documents, you will see that the smallest percentage decrease of any government department is at 1.1%. Tho

Veterans Affairs committee  We have forecast that we will continue to see increases in the number of individuals coming in. I want to make sure I give you the correct numbers. There is a bit of a myth out there as it relates to Afghanistan, in my view. Others may disagree, Mr. Chair. Generally speaking, a

Veterans Affairs committee  Certainly we have examined the impacts of the budget. The budget is consistent with the transformation of what we've been doing. It's about eliminating some of the red tape and inefficiencies in the system. In fact, the provisions of the budget that relate to Veterans Affairs Can

Veterans Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, generally we are seeing a downward trend because of the mortality of war-era veterans. We are seeing modern-day veterans coming in. We are seeing that the rate of mortality of war-era veterans is exceeding the rate of intake of modern-day veterans at this time. I just

Veterans Affairs committee  I can just make a comment with regard, Mr. Chair, to the issue of people in the Canadian Forces being able to apply for jobs in government. I can tell you that at Veterans Affairs, all of our competitions are open to members of the Canadian Forces. In personnel or human resources

Veterans Affairs committee  I'm not familiar with all the provisions. I believe what you're referring to is the omnibus bill. From my side of the business, on the service delivery side, I'm not involved in the drafting or preparation of the legislation. I couldn't be an expert witness in that area.

Veterans Affairs committee  The previous payments were not taxable, and it would be my expectation that this payment would not be taxable either.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's my understanding that the previous amounts were not taxable. My understanding is that the new system will not be taxable.

Veterans Affairs committee  The VIP is certainly one of the largest efforts. Through this initiative we will eliminate 2.5 million transactions annually. That's 2.5 million instances where veterans were submitting receipts to be authorized for payment. It will make life much simpler for the veterans. As the