Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has unveiled a sweeping plan to reform how Canada supports its military veterans, promising faster access to benefits, better job opportunities, and official recognition for those who served.
The announcement marks a central plank in Poilievre’s platform as he seeks to contrast his party’s approach with what he described as “a decade of disrespect and broken promises” under the Liberals.
“Veterans shouldn't have to fight their own government for the benefits they earned,” Poilievre said. “But under the Liberals, they face endless delays and denials — waiting months or even years for disability claims. That is wrong and I will change it.”
At the heart of the plan is a commitment to automatically approve disability applications if not processed within 16 weeks. veterans would also gain full control over their medical records, and military doctors would assess injuries under a single, standardized system.
The proposal also includes the national rollout of PTSD service dogs, and ensures the Education and Training Benefit is available immediately upon a Veteran’s release from service.
A future Conservative government would prioritize veterans for public service jobs, give preference to veteran-owned businesses in federal contracts, double the hiring target at Veterans Affairs, and fast-track security clearance renewals. Spouses of veterans and serving Canadian Armed Forces members would also be added to the Veterans Hiring Act.
To help veterans transition into private-sector careers, the plan would create a Red Seal-style certification to validate military-acquired skills for civilian employers, and ensure post-secondary course credits for training received while serving. The Conservatives would also review and remove pension clawbacks for working Veterans, allowing them to earn income without sacrificing retirement benefits.
Poilievre also committed to enhanced recognition of Veterans, including the official acceptance of Veteran Service Cards as government-issued ID, completion of the National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan, and the formal recognition of Persian Gulf War veterans.
“For too long, the Liberals have promised to stand by our Veterans only to let them down again and again,” Poilievre said. “Our heroes deserve better. They fought for us. It’s time for a government that fights for them.”
He pointed to past Liberal decisions such as court battles over veteran benefits and cuts to case managers as evidence of neglect. “The Liberals said Veterans were asking for more than they could give — right after handing millions to a convicted terrorist,” Poilievre added.
With his plan, Poilievre said a Conservative government would “restore Canada’s promise to our veterans” by ensuring every former service member can count on “a reliable income that buys an affordable house on a safe street under our proud flag.”
“Only a new Conservative government will respect our veterans, honour their service, make their lives easier when they return home, and put Canada first — for a change.”
