The evaluation covered activities from April 2012 to March 2016. Recent overseas events, such as the centennials of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel, did not fall within the evaluation timelines. However, action plans and post mortems were reviewed to determine if adequate processes were in place. Observations regarding domestic events during Veterans’ Week 2016 and Vimy 100 events in April 2017 were made by the evaluation team to determine component need and reach, but were not evaluated in and of themselves.
Relevance
Uptake and expenditures and positive public reaction demonstrates a continued need for the components. The components align with federal government priorities as well as VAC’s mandate and strategic outcomes.
Achievement of Outcomes
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.
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
- Changes to processes are required to ensure that the Books of Remembrance are updated in a timely manner.
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.