QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
April 28, 2026
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Moreau, why did the Government of Canada cancel the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires’ right of first refusal for security contracts at federal buildings? This policy has long endured for over 80 years, ensuring meaningful employment opportunities for more than 2,000 veterans, and it has contributed to public safety across this country.
What consultation was undertaken with veterans’ groups and stakeholders before making this decision, and how does the government intend to mitigate the loss of dignified, stable work for those who have served Canada?
Thank you for the question, Senator Busson.
Veterans today have diversified skills, education and interests. The right of first refusal that you were referring to has existed since 1945, and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires aimed to have 60% of its workforce composed of veterans. However, since 2013, I have been told that the corps has not been able to meet this goal, as veterans pursue other opportunities.
That being said, the government is committed to recognizing the importance of commissionaires, but, unfortunately, they do not apply to those types of jobs anymore. Our veterans, unfortunately, are younger than they have been in the past, and they have other skills that lead them to occupy other functions.
It has been brought to my attention, Senator Moreau, that there are still over 2,000 veterans who depend on this valuable work. At the same time, as these younger veterans move on in their lives and become middle-aged and older, they are sometimes forced into homelessness because their skills are no longer relevant.
First refusal is not the only way to obtain those contracts. The government is willing to offer contracts with commissionaires as long as they are able to do that kind of work. However, my understanding with the information I have is that, unfortunately, they are unable to do those jobs at this time.
