3.1 Continued Need for the Programs
There is a continued need for the programs/initiatives.
There is a continued need for each Canada Remembers Program component evaluated. As confirmed through interviews, public opinion research, feedback evaluations and demand/intake, the components continue to address a demonstrable need.
The components evaluated contribute to Veterans’ Week, a key commemorative initiative that takes place every November. The Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week Survey 2016Footnote 5 reveals that 88% of Canadians believe it is important for Veterans’ Week to be held each year.
3.1.1 Commemorative Ceremonies and Events and the Commemorative Partnership Program
Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week surveys completed during the period 2012-2016 show continued support from Canadians for the Canada Remembers Program components evaluated. Table 4 highlights that support has increased between 2012 and 2016 in all areas.
| Percentage of Canadians who report that it is important/very important that the Government of Canada place priority on… | 2012 Survey | 2014 Survey | 2016 Survey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supporting and leading events that recognize Veterans and important military milestones | 80% | 80% | 87% |
| Supporting and leading remembrance ceremonies at the National War Memorial. | 84% | 86% | 87% |
| Providing funds for communities to undertake remembrance initiatives | 66% | 66% | 70% |
Source: Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week Surveys 2012, 2014, and 2016.
In support of this evaluation, a Survey of Commemorative Initiatives was completed by 67 self-identified Veterans working at VAC. Respondents identified that it is very important (82%) or moderately important (13%) for VAC to mark military milestones/anniversaries by leading, supporting and promoting ceremonies and events regionally, nationally, and internationally.
While attending Veterans’ Week events in Ottawa in November 2016 and events in Ottawa marking the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 2017, the evaluation team observed that these events recognized Veterans’ achievements/sacrifices and appeared to engage Canadians, both in person and through social media (see Table 5 for social media participation). Based on the evaluation team’s observations and supporting social media statistics, these events contributed to increased awareness of the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans and the fallen.
| Event | Date | Views | Shares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candlelight Tribute, Canadian War Museum | 2016-11-07 | 29,233 | 476 |
| Evening of Remembrance, National War Memorial, Part 1 | 2017-04-08 | 48,125 | 419 |
| Evening of Remembrance, National War Memorial, Part 2 | 2017-04-08 | 60,800 | 545 |
| 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, National War Memorial, Part 1 | 2017-04-09 | 70,293 | 714 |
| 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, National War Memorial, Part 2 | 2017-04-09 | 119,050 | 1,528 |
Source: Evaluation Team Review
Evidence of continued need for the Commemorative Partnership Program during the evaluation period is further demonstrated by an increase in annual requests for event funding (further detailed in Section 4.2 Effectiveness – Achievement of Expected Outcomes, Table 14 – Commemorative Partnership Program Expenditures).
3.1.2 Learning and Public Information
Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week Surveys completed during the period 2012 to 2016 show continued support from Canadians for learning and public information. Results are reflected in Table 6. Support increased during 2016. Most notably, an additional 11% of Canadians reported that it is important/very important to post remembrance-related content on social media.
| Percentage of Canadians who report that it is important/very important that the Government of Canada place priority on… | 2012 Survey | 2014 Survey | 2016 Survey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creating and distributing education materials for schools | 82% | 82% | 86% |
| Broadcasting or posting ads encouraging remembrance on TV and the Internet | 75% | 72% | 81% |
| Providing promotional materials such as posters and pins | 61% | 59% | 65% |
| Posting remembrance-related content on social media | 62% | 62% | 73% |
Source: Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week Surveys 2012, 2014, and 2016
In addition to positive feedback from Canadians, the continued need for the learning and public information component was highlighted in interviews with VAC staff and through feedback VAC received from educators. Annual educator evaluation forms (1,800 – 1,900 per year) indicate that over 99% of those surveyed plan to use VAC-produced learning resources again in the future.Footnote 6 The demand for both learning resources and social media content has been increasing and is discussed further in Section 4.2 Effectiveness – Achievement of Expected Outcomes (Table 11 – Learning Product Demand and Table 12 – Social Media Reach).
3.1.3 Memorials
The Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans’ Week Survey 2016 highlighted that 91% of Canadians feel it is important that VAC recognize and honour deceased Canadian Veterans and war dead by maintaining memorials, cemeteries and grave markers.
Strong support from Canadians is also evident through the high volume of online visits to the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (1,564,735 site visits in 2015-16) and the online Books of Remembrance (216,348 site visits in 2015-16). Further details are available in Section 4.2 Effectiveness – Achievement of Expected Outcomes(Table 17 – Online Memorial Statistics).
This support from Canadians aligns with Privy Council Order 1965-688, which affirms that the Minister of Veterans Affairs:
“…is in the most advantageous position to obtain the co-operation of Canadian veterans and their organizations in matters relating to remembrance and to conduct a continuing information program in this broad field; That responsibility has been assigned to the Minister of Veterans Affairs by virtue of section 5 of the Department of Veterans Affairs Act for: (a) Canadian Overseas Memorials and Vimy Park—Order in Council P.C. 5371 of 5th October, 1951…”
The order also reaffirms that the Minister of Veterans Affairs has been assigned the responsibility for “(a) National Shrine of Remembrance and National Cenotaph; (b) Books of Remembrance…”
3.2 Alignment with Expectations of Canadians/ Veterans/ Stakeholders
Elements of the components are responding to the needs and expectations of Canadians, Veterans, and stakeholders. An upcoming overarching Commemoration evaluation will further review commemorative initiatives pertaining to CAF Veterans.
The evaluation team assessed the extent to which the components are responsive to the expectations of Canadians, Veterans, and stakeholders. Through interviews, data analysis, document review, and a social media review, the evaluation team found that the components are being responsive by:
- increasing the footprint of commemoration through the use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram);
- developing online tools and other activities to facilitate learning (teacher guides, activity sheets for students, postcards for peace, Valentines for Vets, etc.);
- establishing (in progress) a new national memorial dedicated to the mission in Afghanistan;
- erecting a new Visitor Education Centre at the site of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France;
- continuously producing and enhancing learning resources and historical information sheets, both in paper and electronic format, to meet the needs of educators, students, and the Canadian public; and
- leading major ceremonies and events that recognize important Canadian military milestones (e.g. centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge).
Key informant interviews identified that there is a need to increase commemoration efforts, including awareness of commemorative initiatives, for CAF Veterans. The need for these efforts was reflected in the Survey of Commemorative Initiatives completed by 67 self-identified CAF Veterans working at VAC. The survey respondents indicated that VAC’s Canada Remembers Program effectively honours and recognizes traditional war service VeteransFootnote 7, however there was less agreement that VAC’s Canada Remembers Program effectively honours and recognizes CAF VeteransFootnote 8. A gender analysis of these results highlighted that female respondents were less likely to see themselves reflected in VAC’s commemorative activities. Further details are available in Section 4.2 Effectiveness – Achievement of Expected Outcomes, Table 11 – Learning Product Demand and Table 12 - Social Media Reach.
In addition, during 2017 VAC conducted a National Survey of Veterans and survivors. As referenced in Table 7, CAF Veterans were less likely to be satisfied with VAC’s commemorative initiatives.
| Percentage of respondents who reported that they are “satisfied with the way VAC’s commemorative initiatives honour those who served our country and preserve the memory of their sacrifices.” | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| War Service Veterans (n=200) | 86% | 80% | 85% |
| Canadian Armed Forces Veterans (n=707) | 72% | 65% | 72% |
An upcoming overarching Commemoration evaluation will further review commemorative initiatives pertaining to CAF Veterans.
3.3 Alignment with Government Priorities
The components are aligned with Government of Canada priorities and with the strategic outcomes of Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Government of Canada has emphasized its support to Veterans in its commitments to the Canadian public as outlined in recent Speeches from the Throne and Mandate Letters.
The 2015 Speech from the Throne states: “In gratitude for the service of Canada’s Veterans, the Government will do more to support them and their families.”Footnote 9 This support for Veterans was also reflected in the October 2013 Speech from the Throne, which stated that the Government of Canada “…will always keep faith with those who have defended Canada with pride. Our veterans have stood up for us; we will stand by them.”Footnote 10
In the Prime Minister’s Mandate Letter to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence released in November 2015, it is noted that the Minister’s overarching goal is to:
“…ensure that our government lives up to our sacred obligation to veterans and their families. I expect you to ensure that veterans receive the respect, support, care, and economic opportunities they deserve. You will ensure that we honour the service of our veterans and provide new career opportunities, make it easier for veterans to access services – including mental health services – and do more to support the families of Canada’s veterans.”Footnote 11
The components support the Government of Canada’s goals through the provision of funding and services to ensure the sacrifices of those who served Canada in uniform are not forgotten.
The components also align with the department’s strategic outcomes as presented in its annual Report on Plans and Priorities. VAC’s 2016-17 Report on Plans and Priorities is driven by three basic principles: care, compassion and respect. The document states:
“We will care for the women and men who have served Canada, and through our support for them, assist their families. We will show compassion for their needs and work hard to meet them. We will respect them, and recognize their extraordinary service and sacrifices.”
Priorities and planned activities include:
- Recognizing and honouring those who served our country through Canada Remembers Program components.
- Commemorating the achievements and sacrifices made by Veterans and the fallen, and keeping those who served in the hearts of Canadians.
The evaluation finds that the purpose of the components aligns with Government of Canada priorities and VAC’s strategic outcomes.
3.4 Alignment with Federal Roles and Responsibilities
The components directly align with federal roles and responsibilities.
The evaluation finds that the components evaluated align with the Government of Canada’s Veteran-centric priorities as they promote honour, respect, and recognition of Veterans’ service and sacrifices.
Under Section 5 of the Department of Veterans Affairs ActFootnote 12 and under the authority of Privy Council Order P.C. 1965–688,Footnote 13 the Minister of Veterans Affairs is entrusted with the primary responsibility for all matters relating to the commemoration of the war dead and recognition of the achievements of all Veterans. The components contribute to the Department fulfilling these responsibilities.
The Department’s second of three strategic outcomes is identified in the 2016-17 Report on Plans and Priorities as:
- Canadians remember and demonstrate their recognition of all who served in Canada’s efforts during war, military conflict, and peace.
The components directly support VAC’s commemorative responsibilities and this strategic outcome through initiatives that ensure the sacrifices of those who served Canada in war, military conflict, and peace are not forgotten.