Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for your efforts on this important issue. I want to thank the committee for finally undertaking this study of the thalidomide survivors contribution program, and thank the witnesses for coming today.
As you all know, I brought this issue forward on behalf of a constituent of mine, Mr. Terry Bolton, who will appearing on Thursday here at the committee. When I brought that forward, you all know we discussed the history of this issue. We don't need to go over that tragedy that happened about 55 years ago. What we want, and what I have asked for a number of times and pushed the minister on, is to give those forgotten thalidomide survivor victims an in-person interview.
My first question is to Mr. Mooney from Crawford. About how many people were rejected from the program who had made applications under the thalidomide survivors contribution program? How many people received rejection letters who had applied to be compensated?