The Government of Canada Policy on Remembrance defines remembrance as “honouring and commemorating the sacrifices, achievements and legacy of those who served in Government of Canada sanctioned wars, conflicts, peacekeeping and aid missions, in both military and civilian capacities”. The objective of the policy is to “reaffirm that Canada will always remember the contributions and 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”. Primary responsibility for implementing the Government of Canada Policy on Remembrance resides with the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) contributes to achieving these commemorative responsibilities through its Canada Remembers Program.Footnote 1
This evaluation of Public Recognition and Awareness was conducted in accordance with VAC’s Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2015-20. It focuses on the following four components of the Canada Remembers Program: Commemorative Ceremonies and Events; the Commemorative Partnership Program; Learning and Public Information; and Memorials.
The four components were evaluated as a group for a number of reasons: their focus is complementary, they share stakeholders and beneficiaries, and they have the same ultimate outcome. The evaluation examined the relevance, performance, efficiency, and economy of the four components and was conducted in accordance with Treasury Board policy requirements and guidance.
This report provides an introduction to the four components, the evaluation scope, and methodology. Core evaluation questions are discussed in the body of the report, with results and recommendations identified by component-specific sub-headings where appropriate.
1.1 Overview of Components Evaluated
1.1.1. Commemorative 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. VAC works closely with federal, provincial and municipal organizations, as well as non-government and international partners on commemorative events, including Veterans’ WeekFootnote 2 events and other initiatives that mark significant military milestones.
This is the first evaluation of commemorative ceremonies and events.
1.1.2 Commemorative Partnership Program
Through the Commemorative Partnership Program (CPP), VAC is able to extend its reach in delivering its mandate by providing grants and contributions to organizations that wish to lead remembrance initiatives. The Program supports:
- community engagement projects, including those related to commemorative events and the development of commemorative resources (e.g., learning resources); and
- community war memorial projects, including the construction, restoration and expansion of memorials.
This Program was evaluated as part of the Partnerships Contribution Program (former Program title) evaluation completed in 2013.
1.1.3 Learning and Public Information
VAC 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, the lead up to Remembrance Day. Veterans’ Week resources include learning products such as commemoration-themed newspapers, historical information/activity sheets, teacher learning plans, bookmarks, and postcards. A wide array of viewable/downloadable commemoration content is also available year-round on the Remembrance section of VAC’s website. For example, the website features an online library of personal recollections of those who served (Heroes Remember), information on memorials, a section for the Valentines for Vets initiativeFootnote 3, and a series of pages dedicated to remembering those who served.
Furthermore, as part of the Learning and Public Information component of the Canada Remembers Program, VAC employs Canadian students as guides year-round in France at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. Student guides live and work in France for a period of four months and provide tours of the preserved battlefield and underground tunnels in both official languages. In addition, guides provide information and answer questions from visitors with respect to Canadian military history and points of interest within the region.
The student guide/interpretation portion of this component was evaluated as part of the Memorials and Cemetery Maintenance evaluation completed in 2013. This is the first evaluation of Learning and Public Information.
1.1.4 Memorials
VAC is responsible for 14 memorials in Europe which commemorate the sacrifices made by Canadians and Newfoundlanders during the First and Second World Wars. These memorials are listed in Table 1.
| Memorial | Location |
|---|---|
| Courtrai Newfoundland Memorial | Belgium |
| Hill 62 Canadian Memorial | Belgium |
| Passchendaele Canadian Memorial | Belgium |
| St. Julien Canadian Memorial | Belgium |
| Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial | France |
| Bourlon Wood Canadian Memorial | France |
| Canadian National Vimy Memorial | France |
| Courcellette Canadian Memorial | France |
| Dury Canadian Memorial | France |
| Guedecourt Newfoundland Memorial | France |
| Le Quesnel Canadian Memorial | France |
| Masnières Newfoundland Memorial | France |
| Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial | France |
| Canada Memorial at Green Park | United Kingdom |
Source: VAC Commemoration Division
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial are both designated as Canadian National Historic Sites. Tours are offered to visitors at these two sites.
VAC is also responsible for updating and maintaining the Books of Remembrance and the online Canadian Virtual War Memorial. The Books of Remembrance commemorate the lives of Canadians who have given their lives while serving Canada in uniform. The books are open to the public and are located in the Memorial Chamber near the base of the Peace TowerFootnote 4. The Books of Remembrance can also be viewed on VAC’s website. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial (CVWM) is an online registry of the names inscribed in the Books of Remembrance. Each record in the CVWM includes information on the individual’s military service, personal data (e.g., birthdate) as well as the location of where they are buried or commemorated, and in many cases, digital images.
In addition, VAC is responsible for the creation of new memorials, such as the National Memorial to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan (under development), and for collaborating with Canadian Heritage on commemorative initiatives, such as commemorative banners along Confederation Boulevard in the Nation Capital Region.
This component was evaluated as part of the Memorials and Cemetery Maintenance evaluation completed in 2013.