QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Access to Benefits
March 11, 2026
Senator Moreau, since December, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs has been conducting a study on the barriers to entrepreneurship that veterans face. In testimony to the committee two weeks ago, veterans spoke about their experiences, highlighting that some veterans who attempt to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship may risk having their disability benefits questioned or withdrawn, even when medical professionals advise against a return to traditional employment. At the same time, while programs exist to support retraining, there appear to be far fewer supports available for veterans who choose to pursue entrepreneurship as part of their recovery and transition.
Can the government explain what safeguards are in place to ensure that veterans are not penalized for attempting to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship?
Well, I don’t have a specific answer to your question, but, in general, the position of the government concerning veterans is one of respect. I will bring your question to the attention of the minister, but I’m quite certain that the answer you will receive is that we want to make life as easy as possible for our veterans, who risked their lives defending the values of Canada.
I am, myself, from a military family, and I am sure that we can highly uphold the values of Canada and the fact that we want to recognize what those women and men have done for Canada.
I will bring your question to the minister, and I’ll get back to you rapidly.
The testimony of veterans at the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, like that of my good friend Kevin Leboeuf, highlighted that, unlike other designated businesses, veteran entrepreneurs often lack dedicated funding and support streams, including mentorship programs, despite the potential for these businesses to create jobs and restore purpose for those transitioning from service.
Is the government considering the creation of targeted programs or funding streams specifically for veteran entrepreneurs to help ensure they have equitable access to the supports needed to build sustainable businesses?
That’s a very good question, and, once again, I will bring it to the minister, and I will get back to you with an answer.
I don’t know if there are specific funds that are dedicated to that issue. According to that testimony, it seems quite clear that there are none, but I want to have the right answer, and I will provide it to you as soon as I can.
