Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I certainly understand the frustration that many will feel in the face of delays. The government invested close to $340 million to hire hundreds of new staff in order to increase the capacity to process veterans’ claims so that they receive faster decisions. These resources were recently extended to continue to address the backlog and reduce wait times for our cherished veterans.

I’m advised that the government has seen a significant decrease — over 50% — in the backlog. That said, the government knows that there is much more work to do, and they are committed to doing it.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, and for underlining the important contribution that our veterans have made, as well as the important support that they deserve.

The government continues to work assiduously to provide appropriate benefits to veterans. The pacing and timing of expenditures are a function of many variables. In that regard, I would certainly be happy to take your concerns and transmit them to the appropriate minister.