The Evaluation of Commemorative Benefits and Services was conducted in accordance with Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) approved Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2012-17 and with the directive and standards specified in Treasury Board of Canada’s 2009 Policy on Evaluation.
The evaluation covered three programs: Funeral and Burial, Cemetery and Grave Maintenance, and Honours and Awards. While the programs have differing objectives, they are all intended to reaffirm Canada's commitment to remember the sacrifices of the fallen, the Veterans, those who served our country on the home front, and those who served and will continue to serve our nation in the cause of peace throughout the world.
The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
All five core issues, as identified by Treasury Board, were examined with largely positive results. For example, all three programs remain relevant though demonstrating a continued need and aligning with Government of Canada priorities and federal roles and responsibilities.
The evaluation team identified some shortfalls and areas for improvement in relation to:
- Program performance, particularly for the achievement of the immediate outcomes associated with both the Funeral and Burial and Cemetery and Grave Maintenance programs and the intermediate outcome for the Funeral and Burial program.
- Efficiency, as it relates to Funeral and Burial financial assistance and Memorial Cross issuance to Veterans estates eligible through a Matter-of-Right (service-related death) decision.
The evaluation resulted in the following recommendations:
Recommendation 1:
It is recommended that measures be implemented to increase access to funeral and burial financial assistance for:
- Veterans receiving VAC benefits and/or services for low income and/or homelessness (Means Tested); and
- Single/Widowed Veterans and Veterans in receipt of disability benefits for certain conditions (Matter-of-Right).
Recommendation 2:
It is recommended that the Director General of Commemoration put measures in place to reduce the backlog of outstanding Veteran grave maintenance, with an increased focus on maintenance items such as inscription legibility, grave marker replacements and foundation repairs.
Recommendation 3:
It is recommended that measures be implemented to ensure that the estates of Veterans whose death has been deemed related to service receive the benefits (funeral and burial financial assistance) and recognition (Memorial Cross) to which they are entitled, in a timely manner.