Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. We have the privilege to represent almost 2,800 mostly frontline workers who have the honour to serve our veterans to make sure that they receive proper supports, timely decisions and the benefits they need.
The latest report from Veterans Affairs Canada shows that there are a total of 494 case manager positions on the payroll. Of those, 441 are indeterminate, and there are 53 term positions.
However, positions are not people. From May 3 to August 30, 2022, VAC hired 13 case managers. During the same time period, 24 case managers left the department due to retirement or resignation, or moved to other departments. Yes, VAC hired case managers but still ended up with a net loss of 11 people.
Another 90 case managers are on some form of disability, long-term sick leave or other leave. That means we have fewer than 400 case managers to serve the needs of almost 15,000 veterans and their families. It shouldn't come as any surprise that we have lengthy backlogs, frustrated veterans and psychologically wounded and demoralized staff.
Veterans coming to VAC are often worried or scared, and usually sick and hurting, both physically and mentally. The role of a case manager is to listen to their story and guide them through a complex system when they may be at their most vulnerable. The ultimate goal is to make sure that the veteran's transition to civilian life is as successful as possible.
As you will hear from some case managers next week, this is not just another job. For most of them, it's a calling to serve those who served. Case managers fear that through the new rehab contract, veterans will lose their human, face-to-face contact with someone who will be an ally, an advocate and quite often a trusted friend to them and their families during some pretty dark times.
Under the new contract, the contractor will be the lead in providing advice and guidance to veterans who require rehab services, not the case managers who have built relationships of trust with the veterans. The contractor may find them service providers, but who will answer the questions? Who will sit with them and their families to hear their stories and address their fears? Who will they turn to if things don't work out?
The bigger question is whether we want the face of service to veterans to be a kind, caring and compassionate case manager or a for-profit corporation that serves its shareholders.
I'll turn it over to Toufic.