Senator Henkel: Senator Moreau, in 2024, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs recommended that the government fund and implement a structured long-term research program on servicewomen and women veterans. The government accepted that recommendation. Since then, a national research strategy has been developed with women veterans and presented to the relevant authorities and the research community.

However, more than two years after the committee made that recommendation, its implementation has ground to a halt. Can you tell us when that strategy will be made public and fully implemented?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, senator.

I have checked with the government regarding this matter. It’s vital to note, of course, that the government recognizes the importance of advancing research on the health and well-being of women veterans and current servicewomen.

I can report that, since the government accepted the committee’s recommendations, sustained efforts have been made to identify research priorities and strengthen coordination among researchers. In addition, the government has established the Women Veterans Council following the parliamentary committee’s recommendation. The council helped organize the 2026 Women Veterans Forum, held last June, which you may have attended.

The research strategy aims to create a road map for future research efforts. The government regularly consults with women veterans, researchers and partner organizations to move forward —

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, Senator Moreau.

Senator Henkel: If the government moves forward with this strategy, how much funding does it intend to allocate to it, and starting in which fiscal year?

Senator Moreau: I cannot predict what expenditures the government will authorize. However, as someone with a keen interest in all matters related to the military and investments, you are no doubt aware that Canada has made an unprecedented investment of $81 billion in the Canadian Armed Forces. The government will probably ensure that a portion of these funds goes toward improving the well-being of women in the Canadian Armed Forces and benefits women veterans as well.