Veterans Affairs committee  In light of my experience, I would say yes. Francophones already have to wait longer before receiving an answer to their claims, whether it is a request for benefits or any other claim. Francophones wait longer because the department hires more unilingual anglophone people. It h

Veterans Affairs committee  It wasn't the union that asked for 25 veterans' cases per case manager. This came from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was the deputy minister at the time, Mr. Walter Natynczyk, who made the request. It really comes from the department. That's why it is surprising that the

Veterans Affairs committee  There is a lack of employees everywhere. We don't have enough training. What's more, there is a retention problem within the department, and employees do not get much recognition. The department really has a lot of work to do to fully recognize employees in order to retain them.

Veterans Affairs committee  It was a bad decision because initially, we were managing the 15 programs, whether it was for eye care, dental care or medication, and in 2007 and 2008, to save money, the department decided to close the treatment authorization centres in Montreal and in other regions in Canada a

Veterans Affairs committee  Absolutely. Don't forget that when a veteran can't appeal a decision, the money stays with the Department of Foreign Affairs at the end of the day. Veterans who have sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace in a beautiful democratic country do not have access to thes

Veterans Affairs committee  The impact will probably be felt in three years, when the $43 million will have been spent, because at that time, they will probably decide not to keep certain positions. There could also be an impact on the job classification of current case managers. Frankly, I'm worried. The

Veterans Affairs committee  Sure. Mr. Chair, we received a total of 54 answers, which is about 9% of case managers. That's why I am telling you that it is 68% of 9% of all case managers.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, I know. I apologize, Mr. Chair.

Veterans Affairs committee  My answer has not changed, sir.

Veterans Affairs committee  My answer is still the same. You are making assumptions, not me.

Veterans Affairs committee  We shouldn't forget that not all case managers took part in the survey.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes.

Veterans Affairs committee  Honestly, I don't know. Since I became vice-president, and that was in October 2018, the minister has never contacted me personally. He has never contacted the national union management that represents employees at Veterans Affairs Canada.

Veterans Affairs committee  I haven't had any contact with the Minister for Veterans Affairs since October 2018, which is when I was elected to my current position.

Veterans Affairs committee  I have held my substantive position as a veteran service agent with the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2003. I have been in various positions, but my last position was as a veteran service agent. I believe that this contract will really hurt veterans and their families. S