Government Operations committee  We currently have a system made up of systems. If we had the help of a consultant or an expert, we could better navigate through all this and it would be a major step forward in improving the system. It may not solve all the problems, but it would help us to better manage our fru

Government Operations committee  I've experienced this situation at the Department of National Defence, in two cases, and at Public Services and Procurement Canada, in another case. This has happened in at least three departments.

Government Operations committee  Yes.

Government Operations committee  If a manager knows that a quality candidate is available, the manager may be more interested. On that note, one of my recommendations today would be to inform managers of the benefits that veterans can provide for their departments.

Government Operations committee  I don't know.

Government Operations committee  In a number of cases, no. The people who make the decisions are human resources analysts. The analysts are usually the ones who do the initial screening.

Government Operations committee  That could make things easier, anyway.

Government Operations committee  Yes.

Government Operations committee  As my colleagues here today have said, and as a number of people have told me, there's a perception that the candidates on the priority list aren't the right candidates. A number of managers have acknowledged this perception. There's a system whereby positions are posted, and we

Government Operations committee  I would say that there are barriers at several levels, in a number of departments. I've encountered barriers in the public service, at Veterans Affairs Canada and at the language centre. To get back to your question, for example—

Government Operations committee  Each department has different barriers.

Government Operations committee  I'd say no, and I'll tell you an anecdote. When I applied to work in the public service, I submitted my file by completing the requested form. The file was submitted to a classification expert. According to the decision, I could apply for an engineering apprenticeship position,

Government Operations committee  I was a Lieutenant Colonel. I was managing up to 600 people in my last position.

Government Operations committee  Interestingly, four of the positions for which I was called for an interview.... In fact, I got called for interviews during the same week for the four positions. All four departments had received a copy of my CV via friends of mine. I applied formally, but I also had them circul

Government Operations committee  There were pools that I had applied to—