Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as Liberal leader, promised to improve health services and support for women Veterans' health. Specifically, this was to be achieved by launching a health research study focused on the experiences of women Veterans. The goal was to collect proper data to enhance service delivery, address the increasing number of women Veterans transitioning to civilian life, and ultimately improve their health outcomes.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in April 2025, the Carney government has made some moves in the area of Veterans' health and well-being, though a dedicated study on women Veterans has not yet been explicitly launched. In March 2025, Veterans Affairs Canada announced funding for 15 new recipients under the 2024-2025 Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, which supports research and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Veterans and their families, including targeted groups like women Veterans. This funding includes projects related to brain health, mental health, and employment opportunities for Veterans.

Additionally, in early March 2025, Minister Valdez, on behalf of Minister Fisher, announced specific funding for organizations such as Team Rubicon Canada, Challenge Factory, Concussion Legacy Foundation, Egale Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. These initiatives focus on improving employment, concussion research, and brain health for Veterans, with some elements potentially benefiting women Veterans indirectly through broader health research efforts.

A February 2025 military and veteran health forum highlighted topics like exercise, AI, and women’s well-being, drawing attention to the need for better support in these areas. This event, reported by Legion Magazine, underscores ongoing discussions but does not constitute the launch of the promised study.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No specific legislation has been proposed or passed directly related to launching a health research study on women Veterans' experiences under the Carney government as of August 2025. Instead, progress has relied on budgetary allocations and funding announcements through existing programs like the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. Budget 2024, which predates Carney's term, included measures for Veterans' health research, including support for women Veterans, but these were carried over into 2025 without new legislative action. The government's focus on military reinvestment, announced in June 2025, has emphasized broader defense and Veteran support, but it has not yet translated into targeted legislation for this promise.

Progress on Key Promise Elements

The promise emphasizes launching a study to collect data on women Veterans' experiences, improve service delivery amid rising transitions to civilian life, and enhance health outcomes. While funding for general Veteran health research has been allocated, there is no evidence of a specific study launch focused on women Veterans. This leaves the data collection and service improvement aspects unaddressed directly. If a study is initiated soon, it could fulfill the promise; however, ongoing cuts to the Women and Gender Equality department, announced in March 2025, raise concerns about potential impacts on gender-specific Veteran support, putting the promise at risk of being broken if not prioritized.

To become kept, the government must officially launch the dedicated research study, ensure data collection begins, and demonstrate how findings will inform service improvements for women Veterans. It would be considered broken if no study is launched by the end of 2025 or if budget cuts eliminate related funding without alternatives.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.