QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Canadian Armed Forces
April 14, 2026
Senator Moreau, a recent Ottawa Citizen report revealed that the government is cutting the rate of out-of-country allowances for members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed abroad despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. At a time when recruitment and retention are already strained, this decision risks further undermining morale amongst those serving Canada overseas.
Senator Moreau, how can the government justify clawing back essential financial support from our troops overseas?
You’re well aware that the government is spending an enormous amount to support our Canadian Armed Forces. For the specific question that you asked, I don’t have the information so I will get back to you with an answer to that question.
There is no question that the government is behind the Canadian Armed Forces. I will bring the question to the minister and get back to you quite rapidly with an answer.
Senator Moreau, this follows years of inadequate support, from equipment shortages to reports of soldiers paying out of pocket for basic gear.
Will the government commit to re-examining and reversing these allowance cuts to ensure that personnel abroad are properly supported?
I cannot commit the government to review any cuts because I don’t have specific information.
For the equipment, we are investing in F-35s, submarines, icebreakers, Arctic mobility enhancement vehicles and CH-148 helicopters to make sure that our Canadian Armed Forces are well equipped.
We are 100% behind the Canadian Armed Forces. The government is committed to making sure that the Armed Forces are there to support Canadians.
