Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, Senator Boisvenu. The veterans’ situation is troubling. I will inquire with the government and try to provide an answer as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, I do not have any information on the subject at this time.

Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. At the meeting of the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs we learned that roughly between 3,000 and 5,000 veterans do not have housing. Two years ago, the Trudeau government announced the launch of a program that would accelerate the construction of affordable housing for the homeless and would help get them off the street and away from drugs.

I asked the minister the question last week and he was unable to tell me when the program will be implemented. Yesterday, I asked the Veterans Ombudsperson the same question and she told me that the minister had no information to share on this matter.

When will the government take care of veterans?

Senator Boisvenu: Why did Veterans Affairs not spend $634 million in 2021? It ended the year with $634 million in unspent funding, even though there are 11,000 benefit applications being appealed and applicants have not had any news. That is not to mention the 5,000 homeless veterans roaming the streets. Why did the government not spend the $634 million?