In the supplementary estimates, an amount of approximately $25.6 million is being requested, and that is, of course, in addition to the increased commitment and investment by the government to ensure that our personnel and their families receive the care, services, and support they deserve. The Canadian Forces ombudsman recently acknowledged that military families receive more support than ever, and the issue has been elevated to a top institutional priority—and so it should be. There's no question about this, that we have to do whatever we can.
In your studies you will see, of course, that compared to our NATO allies, the Canadian Armed Forces has the greatest ratio of mental health services to members of our armed forces. Annual health care expenditures have increased by over $100 million since 2006, bringing up the expenditures to approximately $420 million.
We have a great responsibility to do what we can to support ill and injured Canadian soldiers, and to support veterans, of course. Again, I think it's important that we have this kind of commitment. It's not just a question of doing more than our NATO allies. As you can see, we are very good. It's the men and women on an individual basis who they try to reach out to and help. It's not an easy task, particularly when you are coming out of a combat activity such as members of our armed forces saw in Afghanistan. There are stresses and strains that result from such work and the subsequent challenges that presents to many of the individuals who are in our armed forces; nonetheless, I think it's important to note that we increase the number of health care professionals who are involved with our men and women.
Thank you for asking that. There is an allotment within the supplementary estimates (B) for that. Again, it's an important issue and we're committing to ensuring that our members get the support they should have.