There is a continued need for both the Funeral and Burial Program and the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program. While overall applications for Funeral and Burial benefits are decreasing, the number of unmarked Veteran graves being identified is growing. This is leading to an increased grave marker inventory which directly impacts the operation of the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program and contributes to the ever-growing number of graves that need to be maintained.
VAC is mandated to promote recognition and remembrance of the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Public sentiment supports this component of VAC’s mandate. Both the Funeral and Burial Program and the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program contribute to VAC’s mandate and to the achievement of the overall Canada Remembers outcomes. The programs align with Government of Canada priorities and the role/responsibilities of the Department.
Outcomes for both programs are being measured, though there are opportunities to collect targeted outcome data and feedback. There is an opportunity for VAC to track and measure the success of the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program separately from the overall Canada Remembers program. Targeted information would be helpful in program management and decision making, as current measures are general in nature and encompass overall remembrance initiatives. Performance indicators could be developed specific to cemeteries and grave marker maintenance.
The Funeral and Burial Program and Grave Marker Maintenance Program have relevant guidance documents and quality assurance practices in place. However, updates are required to the National Technical Maintenance Manual to bring it in line with current best maintenance practices and changes with regards to marker inscriptions.
Since the last evaluation (conducted in 2017), steps have been taken to ensure VAC is proactively identifying Veterans who may be eligible for Funeral and Burial benefits. VAC is providing the Last Post Fund with information to conduct outreach with the estates of these Veterans, however, some challenges remain with data consistency and communication between the organizations. There is an opportunity to monitor how the business process is working to ensure that the correct information is going to the Last Post Fund and that matter of right files are being actioned appropriately.
Since receiving additional five-year funding in 2018, the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program has focused on completing the grave marker maintenance backlog project. The project is operating on budget and expected to be completed on time (2023). Additional inspections and corrective actions completed as a result of the project could not have occurred within existing program funding levels. The current base level funding for the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance Program (and resulting 12-year inspection cycle) is not sufficient to provide timely care and maintenance to the current inventory of Veteran grave markers and two departmental cemeteries.
The two departmental cemeteries (God’s Acre and Fort Massey) require ongoing maintenance which is a pressure on the Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance annual budget of $1.25 million. Recent renovations and an expansion to God’s Acre will extend the active life of the cemetery. However, there is a need to enhance burial policies to formalize operation procedures. Both God’s Acre and Fort Massey require a comprehensive operations, maintenance, and preservation site review. They also require an operation and maintenance plan and the funding to implement the plan.