Actually, the person I spoke to is a long term employee. They (I won't say he or she) said VAC head office is over staffed and has been for a while. More people added, more bureaucracy. Described as small sections, each doing a specific task, dependent on the previous section to complete their task before they start their task. Word they used was a system of "speed bumps". Speed bumps used several times. If one section cannot complete their task on a file, delay. Multiple file delays in a section= backlog.
Mgt doesn't talk to front liners. Mgt initiates new unfounded progress ideas, which the worker bees warn they will fail, but go ahead anyway. e.g. too few people to initiate My VAC Account which staff told Mgt would substantially increase claims (which it did);converting monthly pension to lump sum. Staff stated the Vets wanted the old system of pension, not Pension For Life which Vets knew was just the lump sum annulated by age.
Vets asking more than they (Trudeau) can give. Statement believed by many staff: substitute can give to willing to give.
The person was venting.