Veterans Affairs committee  It means they were told no. They didn't meet the criteria for what they applied for.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's six years or 12 years, depending, or the program was not a registered program.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, or before 2006. The other ones outstanding would be the ones who are still in uniform. We do evaluate it, but they can't take the program until they—

Veterans Affairs committee  I should have introduced myself, although I think I know most of the members. I've been here a few times. I'm Michel Doiron, ADM of service delivery. You're right, and we are very frustrated by the fact that we have a backlog. We do communicate with the veteran through My VAC Account in terms of where their file is and the wait time.

Veterans Affairs committee  I am quite aware, given that this falls under my responsibility—not the policy but the operation. As you well know, I cannot discuss the case of an individual. I can talk to you about an individual who would have been in that type of context, but I cannot talk about this individual.

Veterans Affairs committee  You're right, Mr. Martel. Timelines are currently one of our big issues, but they aren't the biggest issue. That's why we've started to review all our procedures. Veterans Affairs Canada is currently requesting information that isn't necessary. By eliminating these requests, we're eliminating steps.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, absolutely.

Veterans Affairs committee  Absolutely. We're able to observe and measure our progress. Adjudicators used to process an average of 1.2 cases a day. Today, they processes twice as many cases. As a result, we can measure the progress, and employees are accountable for their performance.

Veterans Affairs committee  The analysis has been done. The costing is not all finished, because of the point made by the chair. I'm of the view that it's not warm bodies we need. We need to change the fundamental way we're doing business. That means maximizing artificial intelligence, AI, and maximizing the use of our systems.

Veterans Affairs committee  I don't have the dollar amount, but I do have the number of individuals.

Veterans Affairs committee  Under what we call the “surge” proposal, it was 50 case managers.

Veterans Affairs committee  That is correct.

Veterans Affairs committee  It's over the last two years, so year over year.

Veterans Affairs committee  Absolutely. We have more files coming in, and as the deputy and the minister mentioned, from one perspective it's a good thing. People are coming forward. We have to do better. I can't give excuses on that, but there are more files coming in. There are more programs. The big game-changer, I think, was when the earnings loss benefit went to 90%.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, sir.