For the MELs, the time that somebody can have medical employment limitations, it can vary depending on the patient. It varies dramatically from one person to another, and there is no specific time limit that says you must be given a permanent restriction after a period of time.
The biggest thing we look for—and Dr. Jetly can expand on this—is stability in their care once they've actually plateaued and we know that it's the maximum level of care that can be delivered. For some people, that may be six months. For some people, it may be two, three, or even four years.
Also, then, how long it takes to release somebody also depends dramatically on what the situation is. For a lot of the cases where it's a complex-care case, it can be up to three years after the permanent category is assigned, to establish a transition plan for that individual and to make sure that they do transition into Veterans Affairs care and then into the civilian workforce as well.
As for the number of people currently in the Canadian Forces who have medical employment limitations, I don't have that number with me. The director of medical policy would be the one who would have to tell us that.
I believe that answers the questions, sir.