Evidence of meeting #14 for Veterans Affairs in the 42nd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was board.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
We are doing those processes now with respect to improving our business flow. We report on both business flow and business processes through our risk management program, our business services program, and our human resources program.
I don't retain independent consultants for this. I can't afford to do those things.
Liberal
Liberal
Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC
So there's no interest in having an external body look at that.
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
If we had the money we could do such a thing, but we don't have the money.
Frankly, I'm not really certain there would be value given for that funding.
Liberal
Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC
I'm sure the veterans who are waiting 8 to 12 months may disagree with you, with all due respect.
I'm sorry, I'm starting to see a pattern here that makes me a little anxious.
We talked a little bit about these 20 people on the board. Who appoints these people?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Members of the board are appointed by the Governor in Council through the process I described earlier on—through application, examination, and assessment.
Liberal
Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC
Is it a two-year term or a five-year term? What is it?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
The terms are varied. Some individuals are presently on one-year terms, some are on three, some are on five.
Liberal
Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC
With regard to the selection criteria, is there a job description that's provided?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
There was a job description that was previously provided. The entire process is presently under review by the Governor in Council. When that process review is completed, it will be published, I assume, as the old process was, on the appointments website.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Neil Ellis
I have about 20 seconds left for a question.
You said your board consisted of 20 people, with 13 of those members RCMP and veterans. How many female members do you have on that board of 20? Do you make it 33.5%?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
I believe we're at five right now. We have five vacancies as well.
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Yes. Our normal complement is 25 members. We have 20 right now.
Liberal
Alaina Lockhart Liberal Fundy Royal, NB
I want to go back to the actual process. In my constituency, I've talked to veterans who have gone through this process. It all sounds very good on paper, but it is frustrating. We're really trying to get at how we can improve things for our veterans.
Forgive me if you answered this question already. The initial step is the review hearing, correct?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
The first step involving VRAB is the review hearing.
Liberal
Alaina Lockhart Liberal Fundy Royal, NB
Right, sorry. I'm trying to stay in your lane. It's a review hearing. How many of those go to appeal?
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Approximately 800 people took their VRAB decision to appeal last year.
Acting Chair, Veterans Review and Appeal Board
There were 2,500 review decisions. Approximately half of those were successful, so that's 1,250. That means 800 out of 1,250 went to appeal.
Liberal
Alaina Lockhart Liberal Fundy Royal, NB
Out of 2,500 applications or presentations, 1,250 of those were successful, and of the remaining 1,250, there were 800 that went on to appeal.