Question Period Note: SUPPORT TO VETERANS’ ORGANIZATIONS

• The Government of Canada recognizes that Veterans’ organizations play a critical role in the lives and well-being of Veterans and their families, as well as the communities in which they are located. Many Veterans organizations are facing unprecedented fundraising challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Government of Canada provided $20 million to support Veterans organizations facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• As of December 31, 2020, $20M in funding was dispersed to 42 organizations through the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF).

• Our Government fully appreciates the valuable role these organizations play in supporting Veterans and their families, and we are committed to ensuring they can continue to do so for many years to come.

BACKGROUND – SUPPORT TO VETERANS’ ORGANIZATIONS
Bill C-4, An Act relating to economic recovery in response to COVID-19, received Royal Assent on October 2, 2020. Through this Bill, Veterans Affairs Canada received $20 million to establish a temporary Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund. These funds provided organizations with much needed resources to cover some operating expenses such as rent, insurance, heat and lights, so they can continue to support Veterans and their families.

Payments from the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund were disbursed to these 42 deserving Veterans organizations by December 31, 2020. These funds ensure that Veterans organizations have the ability to continue operating, and carrying out critical support to Veterans and their families.

Veterans organizations contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families, along with the communities in which they are located through commemorative initiatives. These organizations play a vital role to support Veterans in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas like homelessness.

Many of these organizations rely almost exclusively on fundraising activities and gifts from donors. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and nation-wide restrictions have caused events and fundraisers to be cancelled. Donations have decreased substantially. Without these revenues, many Veterans organizations are struggling to maintain operations and are at risk of closure.

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