Public Accounts committee  Well, we didn't look at the actual programs being delivered, but they can access mental health programs through the rehabilitation program.

Public Accounts committee  I would just go back to the point I raised earlier, that the rehabilitation program is a separate program from the disability program, with its own requirements. It's to help transition from military to civilian life. It's not a bridge program to provide mental health services to

Public Accounts committee  Just so I can be absolutely clear, there are services available to veterans outside of the two programs. Some of these services are emergency-type services. We didn't audit those services, so I'm unable to tell the committee whether people are utilizing those services or whether

Public Accounts committee  Surveys are a valid tool that can be used by departments to measure effectiveness and to gather other forms of information.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chair, I think the answer to that question is a little difficult, because we didn't audit as widely. As the question implies, the answer would be that an individual who is having a mental health crisis does have access through the provincial system to some crisis care. It is

Public Accounts committee  I think I confirmed that there are some nows available for mental health services to veterans, but I can't say that they are in fact taking care of it. I don't think.... I can't speak for Veterans Affairs, but from what we saw, I don't think Veterans Affairs can state that they a

Public Accounts committee  Right now.

Public Accounts committee  I think that in this area, as we say, there are people who may not understand where services are available to them, what services are available to them, and how to access some emergency services. I can say that.

Public Accounts committee  I would make reference to paragraph 3.35 of the audit, in particular the last sentence. It says, “Officials advised us that the time frame for transferring records has improved from 18 months to approximately 16 weeks.” The transfer of records can add up to 16 weeks, approximatel

Public Accounts committee  We appreciate the fact that the department has put the action plan in place. However, we'll make no comment on the action plan until such time as we have conducted an audit and followed up on the action plan in that manner.

Public Accounts committee  We do our work on the basis of audits.

Public Accounts committee  I think to be clear we have to make a distinction between the rehabilitation program and the disability program. The rehabilitation program is not a bridging program into the disability program. It stands on its own two feet, so to speak. It has its own eligibility requirements.

Public Accounts committee  Except— Sorry, Mr. Chair.

Public Accounts committee  Except that the goal of the rehabilitation program is not to be a bridging program, it's to assist in the transition to civilian life.

Public Accounts committee  No, sir, there are none.