Question Period Note: 2020-21 VAC SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (A)

• Veterans Affairs Supplementary Estimates (A) reflect this government's continued commitment to ensuring there is sufficient funding in VAC’s programs and services to support all eligible Veterans and their families who may come forward.
• Over 90% of the Department’s budget represents payments to Veterans, their families and other program recipients.
• Increases to the Department’s budget reflect the historic steps we have taken to ensure Canadian Veterans and their families are treated with care, compassion and respect.

BACKGROUND – 2020-21 VAC SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (A)

Veterans Affairs Canada will receive $87.7 million in funding, representing a 2% increase over the current budget. Veterans Affairs Canada’s budget will increase from $5,237.7 million ($5.24 billion) to $5,325.4 million ($5.32 billion) for the following:

• $74.4 million for Vote 1 (Operating) for the Department’s Service Excellence proposal (Budget 2020):
o This funding will enable the Department to deliver on our top priority – reducing disability benefit wait times for Veterans.
o This funding will enable faster decisions, reduce wait times for disability benefits, and ensure case management services for Veterans who need this support.
o This funding will cover new teams focused solely on reducing the existing backlog and improving wait times for disability benefits.
o The Department will also explore innovative measures to more efficiently process future applications.

• $13.3 million for an increase in employee benefit plan costs (Statutory) related to new Personnel costs for the implementation of Service Excellence.
 

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