Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and members.
I will move on to supplementary estimates (B).
For a department like ours, where more than 90% of the budget represents payments to veterans, it's important that we conduct regular budgetary reviews to make sure that we're on track to meet the needs of our clients.
Our benefits are demand-driven, so no matter how many veterans come forward, when eligible, they will receive their benefits. They are based on estimates, and the process guarantees that whenever a veteran comes to our department this year, next year or beyond, the benefits will be available.
Over the past several years, significant investments by the government and numerous changes at Veterans Affairs have resulted in a noticeable improvement in service delivery. In fact, since 2016, we have invested well over $11 billion to ensure that veterans get services and benefits when they need them. This is $2 billion per year more in the pockets of veterans than the previous government.
Regarding the backlog for disability benefits, the government continues to make investments to bring it down. The $140 million we invested earlier this year is helping to continue to reduce the backlog and wait times for veterans. I am happy to report that in the past two years the number of applications over the service standard has been cut by more than half, from 23,000 in 2020 to 8,653 today. Average wait times for veterans have been reduced from 43 weeks to 25 weeks. This is a significant improvement in service from where these numbers used to be, but we all agree that there's more work to do. By next summer, we expect to have the backlog under control and meeting our service standard.
As you can see, Mr. Chair, these supplementary estimates add $78.8 million to our current year's budget, a 1.4% increase. This includes $52.9 million of the $140 million to extend disability adjudication resources. Through these estimates, the department will also receive $14 million of the $43 million announced last month to allow us to retain case managers and other frontline team members who serve veterans every day.
These investments in case managers allow the department to better support veterans with complex needs. Among those needs is mental health. Last April, we launched a new mental health benefit that allows for immediate coverage for treatment for anxiety, depression and trauma-related disorders. You will see that the estimates include access to $8.4 million to support development of the mental health benefits program. Since April, over 1,500 veterans have received support through this program, and many more will receive support in the coming weeks and months.
The department has also been proactive in reaching out to veterans who might be vulnerable. Throughout the pandemic, thousands have received phone calls and follow-ups from Veterans Affairs Canada staff checking in on their well-being. As always, we remain grateful to our many partners across the country who work with us to support veterans on the ground and make sure former members are able to lead healthy and productive lives.
Soldier On, for example, was part of bringing the Invictus Games to Vancouver-Whistler in 2025. For Canada, it will be a great honour to host ill and injured veterans and still serving members from 20 nations. Over the next three years, the government is contributing $15 million in funding to help organize and deliver the games. These estimates include $2.3 million for that investment to help support the effort.
I can ensure you, Mr. Chair and all members of the committee, that these supplementary estimates represent an important and necessary investment in the health and well-being of our veterans and their families.
Thank you so much.