I spoke with the senior management, and I was told that despite the pressure and the increased workload, employees at the bureau of pensions advocates had increased their productivity by 65% with the current workforce. They're extremely efficient. However, they can't handle all the cases, because of a lack of resources, and we know that unfortunately, the government is not hiring right now. They're working with the available workforce, but you can just imagine what will happen if the workforce is reduced by 44%, Ms. Gaudreau.
I've been with Veterans Affairs Canada for 23 years. I was employed by the department before I became the union's national president, and I've seen things fall apart owing to a lack of vision or plan. That's what I'm seeing now, and that's why I'm here to raise the alarm. If nothing is done, veterans will face a crisis. They will face a crisis because they will have less money. They might give up on appealing decisions because they'll be fed up with the process and wait times. They will pay the price.
Does the government want that? Does it want to discourage veterans, so they don't ask for what they are entitled to? I hope not, because that is not the mission or mandate of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Honestly, I'm worried about veterans. I've been fighting for them for 23 years, and the current situation saddens me.