QUESTION PERIOD — Veterans Affairs
Access to Benefits
December 4, 2025
Senator Moreau, yesterday, the Veterans Ombud released a report on Veterans Affairs Canada’s internal review process of benefits claims to determine whether they meet basic standards of fairness. The ombud’s investigation found that, too often, veterans receive unclear responses when their benefits claims are denied, making the denials more difficult to contest. The report is critical of what it calls Veterans Affairs Canada’s “. . . systemic unfairness . . . .” in how it handles claims and communicates decisions to veterans.
Will the government commit to acting on the ombud’s recommendations in the report, particularly the call to improve the quality of decision letter so that veterans whose claims have been denied can get specific and substantive explanations of the decision?
Thank you for the question.
I’m aware of the report, and I will raise those recommendations with the minister.
The budget is there to help veterans on very important investments regarding long-term care, savings from VAC and disability pensions, but what you’re raising today is very serious. I understand that you care as much as I do about the well-being of veterans. Thank you for raising that question. I will conduct the necessary follow-up with the minister.
Thank you.
I can say with confidence that veterans are suffering a trust deficit with Veterans Affairs Canada. One of the recommendations in the review was that the minister be authorized to initiate reviews under the Veterans Health Care Regulations. Senator Moreau, we know that responses to recommendations are slow. When will Veterans Affairs Canada provide a response to these recommendations so that veterans can at least start to regain confidence in this vital organization?
Senator, thank you very much for the question.
I will raise that very important issue with the minister. I will get back to you as soon as I have an answer.
