Question Period Note: 2024-25 VAC SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (B)

• Veterans Affairs Supplementary Estimates (B) 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.

• Through these Estimates, VAC’s budget will increase by $954 million from $6,758 million to $7,712 million.

BACKGROUND – 2024-25 VAC SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (B)

VAC’s budget will increase by $954 million, representing an 14% increase over current budget. VAC’s budget will increase from $6,758 million to $7,712 million in relation to the following transfers and adjustments:
New Treasury Board Submissions
• $942M funding for demand-driven programs and services which provide support to eligible Veterans and their families
o This funding will be used for demand-driven programs and services which provide support to eligible Veterans and their families.
• $4M funding to commemorate significant Canadian military milestones, including the 80th anniversary of D-Day and events aimed at recognizing modern day Veterans
o This funding will provide the necessary resources for VAC to commemorate significant Canadian military milestones, such as the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and events aimed at recognizing modern day Veterans.
• $2.75M funding for Government Advertising
o This funding will continue two advertising campaigns at VAC:
(1) Remembrance and (2) Mental Health Service.
• $2M funding for the Veteran and Family Well-Being fund with a focus on equity deserving groups
o This funding will help ensure VAC’s continued support of the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund (VFWF). A portion of these funds will be allocated to organizations and initiatives that support Veterans’ health and employment, as well as women, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.
• $750K funding to support the Juno Beach Centre
o This funding will be used to support the work of the Juno Beach Centre Association (JBC) in the long-term preservation of this iconic Canadian landmark.
• $689K funding for the administration of Peer Support for Sexual Misconduct and/or Military Sexual Trauma
o This funding will help ensure VAC’s continued support of the Peer Support Program, a DND-led initiative developed by The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
• $166K funding for Employee Benefit Plan costs associated with the above TB Submissions (Statutory)

Transfers
• $973K from DND ($28k operating and $944K Research Grant)
o These transfer of funds will be used to support research initiatives that contribute to the well-being of military members, Veterans and their families.
• $800k from Vote 1 to Vote 5 for increase in Veterans Emergency Fund
o This transfer of funds will be used to fund pressures on the Veterans Emergency Fund.
• $125k from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development to adjust funding previously provided for departmental staff located at missions abroad
o Global Affairs Canada provides common services such as procurement of goods, services, and real property in support of VACs delegation abroad who fulfill the departments mandated of stewards to the 14 commemorative sites in Europe. Funds were previously transferred from VAC to GAC for this purpose. This transfer of funds represents reimbursement for positions that are now vacant.
• $25k to Canadian Heritage to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
o This transfer of funds will be used to support a commemorative project commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force which will highlight the history of the British Commonwealth Air Training Program (BCTAP).

WHEN PRESSED:

Q1 – Why has the Department received funding for demand-driven programs?

The majority of Veterans Affairs Canada’s programs are demand driven (or quasi statutory). For these quasi-statutory programs, the Department annually estimates how many Veterans will come forward and receive program benefits, and how much funding will be required to meet that forecasted demand.

If, during the year, more Veterans require benefits and services than previously forecasted under a specific Veteran program, our Department has the ability to increase budgets accordingly through an annual Quasi Statutory Treasury Board Submission.

This funding is to increase those programs and will be used to provide benefits and services to eligible Veterans and their families.

Q2 – Why is the Department receiving funding for Commemorative Priorities?

As announced in Budget 2024, this funding will provide the necessary resources for VAC to commemorate significant Canadian military milestones, including the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, as well as events aimed at recognizing modern day Veterans.

Q3 – What will the funding for the Veteran and Family Well-Being fund be used for?

This funding will help ensure VAC’s continued support of the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund (VFWF). A portion of these funds will be allocated to organizations and initiatives that support Veterans’ health and employment, as well as women, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.

Q4 – What does the Department plan to do with the funding for Govt advertising?

VAC has 2 advertising campaigns: (1) Remembrance and (2) Mental Health Service. For the Mental Health campaign, funding will be used to promote and create awareness among the Veteran community of services and supports available to them, with a focus on mental health. For the campaign on Remembrance, funding will be used to honour the Canadians who served our country during times of war, military conflict and peace and to engage Canadians in remembering past and present sacrifices. This funding is from the central fund that was created for funding advertising related to Government of Canada priorities.