Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. It's great to be back here and to represent the C team.
I want to seize on something Ms. Benson said. As a member of Parliament for 13 years, I've never seen as much anxiety in some sectors of the public service as I've seen now, where those who are applying for employment insurance benefits are now waiting six and seven weeks, and eight weeks is not uncommon. At one time they used to wait three weeks.
It's because those processing those claims have been cut. There have been 600 positions cut, and those who are left behind are dealing with people who are trying to feed their families and make the decision between filling their prescription, filling their oil tank, or filling their fridge. The anxiety level of the whole experience has been elevated to a degree. It has to have an impact on the person who makes that call when you have a mother crying on the other end of the phone, wondering when her cheque is going to be processed. I think that has more to do with if there's any ill feeling within the public service. You might want to make a comment on that.
I know you see it as well with the marine communications. You might want to comment on that.