Evaluation of Public Recognition and Awareness
Audit and Evaluation Division – Veterans Affairs Canada
October 2017
Evaluation Results
1. Are the Programs/Components relevant?
The evaluation found that:
- there is a continued need; and
- the Programs align with Government of Canada priorities, Departmental strategic outcomes and Federal roles and responsibilities.
2. Are the Programs/Components performing well?
VAC is achieving the ultimate outcome and most of the immediate and intermediate outcomes associated with these components. However, the evaluation found areas for improvement with respect to the achievement of:
- the immediate outcome of the Commemorative Ceremonies and Events component; and
- the immediate outcome of the Learning and Public Information component.
3. Adequate processes?
- Commemorative Ceremonies and Events:
- Process changes are required in relation to domestic ceremonies and events.
- Commemorative Partnership Program:
- Changes to delegated authority and internal documentation procedures would make the Program more efficient.
- Learning and Public Information:
- Feedback from visitors at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is required to determine if their needs are being met.
- Memorials:
- Process changes are required to ensure that the Books of Remembrance are updated appropriately.
4. Efficiency and Economy
The evaluation identified improvements that could be made to enhance efficiency and economy for the Commemorative Ceremonies and Events component and the Learning and Public Information component.
| Recommendation | Management Response and Action Plan |
|---|---|
|
1. It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, build on current practices to enhance awareness of commemorative events in Canada. |
The Director General, Commemoration, will implement measures, such as increased utilization and promotion of the calendar of events and social media, in order to enhance awareness of commemorative events in Canada. |
|
2. It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, review and update current practices and procedures to ensure the appropriate maintenance and monitoring of memorial sites in Europe occurs in accordance with annual plans. |
The Director General, Commemoration, will review and update current practices, and implement measures to ensure memorial site maintenance work is completed in accordance with the priorities and expectations outlined in maintenance plans. |
|
3. It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, develop and implement measures to capture visitor experience feedback associated with Veterans Affairs Canada’s memorial sites in Europe. |
The Director General, Commemoration, will develop and implement an approach to capture feedback from visitors to Veterans Affairs Canada’s memorial sites in Europe. |
|
4. It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, develop and implement consistent planning and post-mortem documentation requirements for commemorative ceremonies and events. |
The Director General, Commemoration, will build on current best practices to establish and implement official documentation requirements for the planning and post-mortem review of commemorative ceremonies and events, thus ensuring consistency and quality of information for planning, evaluating and reporting purposes. |
Program Description
- Ceremonies and Events:
- VAC organizes ceremonies and events, both in Canada and overseas, to remind Canadians of the legacy of those who served Canada, and to demonstrate Canada’s leadership in recognizing their service.
- Commemorative Partnership Program:
- Provides grants and contributions to organizations that wish to lead remembrance initiatives.
- Learning and Public Information:
- Engages youth, educators, and the general public through learning and public information resources. Special emphasis is placed on the annual development and distribution of new content for Veterans’ Week (commemoration themed newspapers, historical information/activity sheets, teacher learning plans, bookmarks, and post cards). Student guide program in France at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.
- Memorials:
- Responsible for 14 memorials in Europe which commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian and Newfoundland troops, including permanently staffed sites at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. Updating/maintaining the Books of Remembrance and the online Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
About the Evaluation
Scope and Methodology:
- Evaluation was conducted in accordance with VAC’s Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2015-20 and with the requirements specified in Treasury Board of Canada’s 2016 Policy on Results.
- Evaluation began in September 2016 and fieldwork was completed by June 2017.
- Evaluation covered the time period of April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2016.
- Multiple lines of evidence were used.
Constraints and Limitations:
- The evaluation team did not speak directly with Commemorative Partnership Program applicants nor participants in commemoration events.
- Limited detailed statistical data was available for the Commemorative Ceremonies and Events component.
- The evaluation team did not directly observe overseas events, memorials, or student guides.