Public Accounts committee  Certainly, we have derived and are continuing to derive lessons learned from what was experienced with Phoenix, and we have reviewed the different reports that have been prepared. I'll reiterate a couple of the key elements. First, we recognize that the success or failure of the BDM does not solely rest on ESDC.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, and that was a critical factor in the design of the emergency response benefit. In the middle of March, overnight, we saw an increase of hundreds of thousands of applications coming into the EI system, and we were in a situation where the EI system was about to crumble if it was not a different decision that was made because of the rules related to the EI program.

Public Accounts committee  I can take this question if that's all right. Good afternoon, and thanks for your question. I'm unaware of the employment insurance system in France, but I'm thoroughly familiar with the one in the United States. The solution adopted in the United States for benefits during the pandemic shows that Canada's decision was really the better one.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, each of the two systems clearly had advantages and disadvantages. As the Auditor General's report pointed out, there were shortcomings in implementing and designing the program. However, the situation was an emergency and it was related to the pandemic…

Public Accounts committee  Yes, of course. We are aware of the risk of a recession, and it may lead to more employment insurance claims. We are analyzing the situation in some depth. As we have done in other situations, we will take whatever action is needed to be able to pay employment insurance benefits to Canadians on a priority basis.

Public Accounts committee  By no means was I suggesting and trying to deflect that Service Canada does not have a significant role related to the delivery of the fish harvester benefit. It was jointly us and the DFO. With regard to your specific questions, if you would be so kind as to provide them to us, I certainly would be glad to make sure that we follow up.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you. As I said, you have my name and my coordinates. By all means, if you would provide those questions, I absolutely will commit that we would get back to you with a direct answer.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd be pleased to answer the question to the extent that I can. The fish harvester benefit was jointly delivered by Service Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Yes, with regard to recovery activities, the CRA does have roles related to the recovery of most government-related overpayments, but it was jointly delivered by Service Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.