We use all the data available to us to uncover transactions that are suspicious or that may involve people who are not eligible for the programs. We apply methods that allow us to ask people to call us to confirm their identity if we suspect identity theft. We have already used this method many times.
We also ask people to call us when we think there is doubt as to eligibility. We work with them to validate their eligibility.
As they were renewed, the programs evolved. Some factors have changed, allowing us to do more robust automated checks. For example, we asked Canadians who wanted to apply to submit their tax returns on time so that we could have that information to do an automatic validation before payment. When this was not done, there could be delays.
The law evolved over time. Now it includes parameters that allow us to ask people to submit their tax returns before making a claim. This evolution of our automated systems allows us to use the information available before payment.