Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today as we come to the end of the debate on an important motion that I hope will make a real difference for veterans across the country, people who have served Canada with courage and commitment.
Motion No. 16, which was introduced by my colleague, the member for Cumberland—Colchester, seeks to instruct the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to undertake a study on alternative ways to make use of underused and surplus federal lands and buildings to provide services for veterans. At the heart of the motion is a very clear objective, which is to improve access to services for our veterans. In contrast to what my colleague from Saint‑Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton said, the federal government is indeed responsible for taking care of the veterans who fought for our country. This is also directly related to the essential work of Veterans Affairs Canada, which offers programs to support those living with significant physical or mental health problems, as well as their families.
The motion comes at a particularly good time. As my colleague pointed out, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in the Canadian Armed Forces and is meeting its NATO commitments ahead of schedule, contrary to what my colleague from Saint‑Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton was saying. This week, in fact, we announced that the Canadian Armed Forces have reported a record number of enrolments over the past year. There are 7,310 people who joined the ranks in the 2025‑26 fiscal year, which is the highest number of enrolments in three decades. What that really means is that over the next decade, we need to prepare to see thousands of military personnel transition to civilian life and become veterans.
The motion before us does more than just address today's significant challenges. It also aims to anticipate needs that will emerge in the future, through planning that must be thoughtful and effective, for veterans, communities and taxpayers alike. When we ask Canadians to serve their country, we commit in return to offering them support, care and guidance. These commitments do not end the day they take off their uniforms. We still have responsibilities toward them. Ultimately, the motion represents both an obligation and an opportunity: the opportunity to better care for our veterans, who have truly given so much to protect us and uphold our freedom.
The federal government is responsible for a large portfolio of underutilized lands and buildings that are deemed surplus to its needs. The motion proposes examining how these properties can be repurposed to support programs for veterans. These spaces could, for example, be used to provide training, education, health care, mental health services, or even affordable housing for veterans.
The member for Cumberland—Colchester often cites the example of the Ralston armoury. This is a historic building that is deeply linked with Nova Scotia's military heritage and was home to the Nova Scotia Highlanders Regiment, the regiment that landed at Juno Beach on D‑Day. However, this building is now in administrative limbo. In 2016, it was declared to be surplus. In 2020, it was closed because of structural issues, and it was then closed again in 2025 for environmental reasons. The local community has rallied to try to preserve it, but without a clear vision or long-term commitment, the building is at risk of staying unused despite its obvious potential and the needs we have.
As the member pointed out, the armoury could become a real resource centre for veterans. It could be a place to provide affordable housing for those transitioning to civilian life, mental health services, peer support groups, career counselling, community spaces and perhaps even a refurbished museum to showcase the Highlanders' legacy. There are other buildings like this across the country, in communities represented by many members. This motion invites us to reflect on how we can transform these public assets into concrete solutions that honour the past while meeting current needs.
As MPs, we have a responsibility towards our veterans. For that reason, we must support the motion.
Exploring the possibility of giving these properties a new lease on life also allows us to build on initiatives already in place to support veterans and improve access to housing. In September, our government launched Build Canada Homes, a federal agency dedicated to the large-scale construction of affordable housing. The initiative also makes use of public land. It offers incentives to developers. It attracts private investment and supports modern construction methods to deliver the housing Canada needs, and that includes housing for veterans. We are also continuing to fund the veteran homelessness program, which was launched in 2023. In November 2025, the Minister of Veterans Affairs announced an additional $22.5 million in funding to support initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness among veterans across the country.
These are important measures, but we need to be honest: We have a duty to do more. This is where exploring the potential of underused federal properties comes in. It is a real opportunity to take concrete action.
Veterans have unique needs and require services adapted to their reality. If the government has surplus federal lands or buildings that can be used to provide these services, it should make every possible effort to do so. The transition from military to civilian life can be hard sometimes. Veterans may need support for any number of reasons. It takes time, support and resources to adapt after leaving a structured environment like the Canadian Armed Forces for a somewhat more unpredictable existence. Many veterans also face physical and mental health issues after their service, including PTSD and other physiological or psychological conditions. Adapted services delivered by Veterans Affairs Canada can help prevent difficulties from worsening and stop problems from becoming more severe. If the government can use surplus federal lands and buildings to provide more services to veterans, it should give the matter serious consideration and make it happen.
As my colleague pointed out, this motion could be beneficial for everyone. For veterans, it means better coordinated services in places that are accessible and rooted in the community. These services include housing, health care, employment supports and peer networks, without unnecessary barriers or excessive distances. For communities, it means turning underused buildings into hubs for local revitalization, creating jobs, supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community infrastructure. For taxpayers, it means better use of existing public assets, potential savings and better outcomes. For members of Parliament, regardless of party, it means one simple thing, that is, working together to come up with concrete solutions for the people we represent.
There is no greater service than that provided by the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Our veterans deserve to have access to the support they need when they need it. It is in that spirit that I invite all members in the House to support the motion to study the use of underused and surplus federal lands and buildings to better support our veterans.