Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is the federal department responsible for supporting and serving Canadian veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. It provides financial assistance, healthcare support, rehabilitation services, and recognition programs to honor the contributions of those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Additionally, the department is responsible for remembrance initiatives that preserve Canada's military history.
In FY 2024,
$6.1B
Was spent by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
In FY 2024,
1.2%
Of federal spending was by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
VAC spent $6.1 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 1.2% of the $513.9 billion in overall federal spending. The department ranked thirteenth among federal departments in total spending.
VAC accounted for 1.2% of all federal spending in FY 2024. 10 government departments accounted for 73.2% of federal spending in FY 2024
26.48%
18.38%
12.25%
6.71%
3.74%
3.27%
2.82%
2.71%
2.67%
2%
Federal spending may shift over time due to population growth, changes in policy and programs, and emerging problems to address. Since 1995, overall federal spending has risen 77%, while VAC spending has increased 51%.
The department's spending has grown less than overall spending, which means that the department's share of the federal budget has increased. In FY 2024, VAC accounted for 1.1% of all federal spending, about the same share as in 1995.
Major legislation, internal or global economic conditions, and acute events like the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly influence government spending year to year. For instance, during the pandemic, the Government of Canada's total expenses rose from $410.2 billion in 2019 to $420 billion in 2020 and further to $720.3 billion in 2021.
VAC's expenditures also grew slightly during this period, increasing from approximately $5.5B in 2019 when adjusted for inflation to $6.3B in 2024.
How did VAC spend its budget in FY24?
Federal government spending isolated to FY 2024
In FY 2024, VAC reported total expenditures of $6.07 billion across two entities:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Review and Appeal Board
$6.05B
$18.1M
Who Leads Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)?
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is led by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, who is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and formally sworn into office at Rideau Hall. Upon appointment, the Minister takes the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance, becoming a member of the King's Privy Council for Canada.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs is one of the cabinet members who serve at the Prime Minister's discretion. Their tenure typically ends when they resign, are replaced, or when a new Prime Minister appoints a new cabinet. Outgoing ministers continue in their roles until their successors are sworn in.
The Minister is responsible for overseeing benefits and services for veterans, ensuring their well-being, and leading national remembrance initiatives.
