Thanks very much, Mr. Chair.
Minister, thank you for attending today, along with department officials. The opposition parties over the last number of weeks have been indicating that some dramatic decreases are coming to veterans when in fact, Minister, you've been quite clear that all benefits to veterans will be maintained.
I'm looking at the main estimates that you've provided to our committee today. Page 343 indicates the amount of money you are seeking for disability awards and allowances, and just below that, the amount that you are seeking for the earnings loss and supplementary retirement benefits. This year over last year, you are seeking $60 million additionally for disability awards and allowances to our veterans, and an additional almost $41 million for the earning loss and supplementary retirement benefits.
Minister, would you be so kind as to provide an explanation for the increased amount of money that we will be providing to Canada's veterans.