The House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met on October 21, 2025, for a briefing by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and department officials on the department’s programs and priorities. Appearing were Christine McDowell, Acting Deputy Minister; Steven Harris, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Delivery; Mitch Freeman, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Branch; Pierre Tessier, Assistant Deputy Minister, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services; and Amy Meunier, Assistant Deputy Minister, Commemoration and Public Affairs Branch.
Christine McDowell emphasized that departmental values endure through ministerial changes, ensuring stable service for veterans. She noted that the department reads committee reports closely and uses them to inform its work. She also acknowledged the Highway of Heroes incident as regrettable and said internal reviews have been conducted to strengthen oversight of funded organizations.
Steven Harris reported that wait times for service delivery have decreased by 50% in the last two years, though he acknowledged more work is needed. He said the rehabilitation program, delivered through PCVRS, has shown an 82% improvement in functional capacity and an 83% improvement in life satisfaction among participants, with about 10,000 veterans having completed it. He confirmed that front-line staff receive training on trauma, suicide intervention and sexual trauma response. He disagreed with the suggestion that the department is not listening to veterans, stating that he reads committee reports and follows proceedings closely.
Mitch Freeman stated that over 1,400 veterans have been assisted through the veterans homelessness program since 2023, and the estimated number of homeless veterans has decreased from just over 2,000 to under 1,800. He said the department is part of the government-wide 7% cost-saving exercise but could not provide specifics, as decisions are still in progress. He noted that Veterans Affairs is monitoring service dog standards and has funded Wounded Warriors through the veteran and family well-being fund.
Pierre Tessier reported that the department’s budget has grown from $3.7 billion in 2015-16 to a forecasted $7.8 billion this fiscal year, with 94% of funds going directly to veterans programs, benefits and services. He said the 7% reduction exercise is focused on internal efficiencies, not the 94% that flows to veterans. He confirmed that current funding for resources extends only to April 2026.
Amy Meunier stated that the National Capital Commission has granted authority to proceed with tendering for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan, with a contract expected early in the new year and construction to begin once the ground thaws. She said the department has added clauses to contribution agreements to clarify privacy responsibilities and is providing best practices for managing personal information. She also confirmed that planning is underway for the 110th anniversary of Vimy Ridge in 2027, with activities in France and a companion piece in Canada.
There was no procedural debate, motions or votes during this meeting.
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