You mentioned something that intrigued me with the appeals, which happen only in Charlottetown. Where I come from, we are hundreds of miles from any military base, so the people I see are Second World War and Korean War vets. Quite often, they are getting to be elderly.
So we know now through your presentation—and thank you for that—that the appeals are held only in Charlottetown, and they can attend at their own cost.
I think it was Ms. Sharkey's information that you work with representatives in 34 different cities. I am wondering if there has been any thought to holding the appeal back in the community where it is convenient and at a scheduling time that's convenient.
I congratulate you on your efforts to get a decision made within 30 days, but these people in my riding tend to be elderly. They may not have the means to get to Charlottetown when they want, and perhaps the way I should put it is that they do not have faith in the system.
Regardless of all the good work you do, they can't get to Charlottetown. They can't be part of the appeal, and they don't understand that.
Has there been any thought to lengthening the time if the appellant wants to attend, so that you can get to the community that's convenient to him or her? With 35 locations across Canada, there would probably be one that is fairly close to the individual in question.