Finance committee  As I mentioned, it is in trying to build in efficiencies in the system to ensure that these appeals are responded to in a 90-day period, and that is a common timeline for other appeals within the labour program.

Finance committee  I wouldn't be able to answer about other models. As mentioned, this is bringing it into line with the other appeals officers that exist to hear appeals under part III.

Finance committee  I don't know the answer to that question. I'll have to go back and report back.

Finance committee  Are you asking me why we changed it from the system that we have now?

Finance committee  Again, we're not setting aside public servants. They will be integrated into the program. The appeals officers will only be engaged when there is an appeal to be heard. They won't be on staff all the time. Savings are expected from this measure, rather than expenditures.

Finance committee  That's correct.

Finance committee  Forty decisions are typically made a year, on average.

Finance committee  I'm afraid I can't speak to HR practice. That's not my area of expertise. But there is no expectation that anyone would be leaving the public service. If they do leave the public service, they'd be entitled to the same protections and benefits of any other public servant.

Finance committee  That is correct.

Finance committee  That was one of the questions I said I'd come back to.

Finance committee  No. That is the process. It would be the same process as used in part III. We're now making the process similar for part II so that there's consistency across the program with how we treat appeals.

Finance committee  That is correct. Can I return to one question that I have the answer to? The average time of an appeal is now being limited to 90 days. On average, in the past, the appeals took six and a half months between the time the appeal hearing was held and a decision was issued.

Finance committee  The people will not remain in those positions. Public servants who are currently doing this as appeals officers will not continue to do that job. The system will change so that these officers will be appointed. They will be outside experts. It will affect three to five people.

Finance committee  Yes. The expectation is that they will be absorbed into the department, into the labour program, in similar positions.

Finance committee  It's not 5,000. I'm sorry, I don't have that number. What I have is that this will reduce the number of FTEs by between three and five people. So it's a very small number.