44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 1, 2022 10:00AM
- Apr/1/22 11:55:38 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, services for francophone veterans are getting worse instead of better.
An anglophone's application for disability benefits is processed in 20 weeks, but francophones are currently waiting 76 weeks. The wait time is six months longer now than it was in 2018.
The minister claims that all is well, however. The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs wrote to ask him to explain why independent analysts paint a less rosy picture of the situation. We are still awaiting a response.
When will the minister be accountable to francophone veterans?
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- Apr/1/22 11:56:26 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, we recognize that we need to do more to ensure that francophone veterans get a response in a timely manner—
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- Apr/1/22 11:57:15 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, as I was saying, we recognize that we need to do much more for francophone veterans when it comes to the wait times for a response to their application.
We have created a dedicated francophone unit to improve the situation for francophones on the ground. We have also hired many francophone and bilingual employees to process these applications. Our $340‑million investment is helping us make significant progress on this issue.
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- Apr/1/22 11:57:59 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, services for francophone veterans are deteriorating. An expert confirmed this at committee. She has helped more than 1,200 veterans with their valiant struggle to access services.
She confirmed that officials are recommending that francophone veterans apply in English. They are told that things will move more quickly if they apply in English. In other words, if they have issues getting service in French in Canada, they have to speak English.
Is that how we should be thanking francophones who have served Canada?
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- Apr/1/22 11:58:42 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. That is absolutely not what we should be doing. We can serve people in French. That is why we have a francophone unit dedicated to doing just that, as I mentioned earlier.
We are hiring more bilingual people. Plus, let us not forget that our government has invested more than $11 million to help serve and support veterans across Canada.
We have been there for veterans, and we will be continue to be there for them, francophones included.
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