Sub-program 1.1.1: Disability Pension Benefits and Allowances
Description
This program recognizes and compensates eligible Veterans, as well as Canadian Armed Forces members who applied for a disability pension before April 1, 2006, survivors, dependants and, in certain circumstances, civilians for the effects of a service-related disability and/or death. Compensation is provided in the form of a monthly disability pension. The program also provides:
- Clothing Allowance for the distinct effects that disabilities may have on clothing;
- Attendance Allowance for pensioners who are totally disabled, whether by reason of military service or not, and in need of attendance;
- Treatment Allowance for the period of time pensioners are hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a pensioned condition to temporarily compensate at a 100% pension rate for that period of time; and
- Educational Assistance of up to four years or 36 academic months for the cost of university, college or trade courses to eligible dependent children of pensioners who died as the result of military service or were pensioned at the 48% rate or higher at the time of death.
This program is funded through the following transfer payments: Pensions for Disability and Death; Payments under the Flying Accidents Compensation Regulations, Payments of Gallantry Awards, and Treatment Allowances.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,398,130,759 | 1,360,056,679 | (38,074,080) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 276.0 | 274.2 | (1.8) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on disability pension benefit and allowance applications | % of Disability Pension applications awaiting a decision that are less than 16 weeks old. | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 29% | n/aFootnote 1 | n/aFootnote 1 |
| % of Disability Pension decisions rendered within 16 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 59% | 69% | 64%* *Indicator = 12 weeks |
|
| % of Exceptional Incapacity Allowance decisions rendered within 12 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 87% | 84% | 86% |
Performance analysis and lessons learned
VAC strives to provide a decision within 16 weeks of receiving all the information needed to support an application. Less complex claims are typically completed within 16 weeks—more complex claims can take longer. Over the past two years, the Department saw a 32% increase in the number of claims received for adjudication and, while the Department hired additional staff to address a backlog of applications, these resources weren’t enough to overcome the higher than planned uptake in applications.
Sub-Program 1.1.2: Disability Awards, Critical Injury and Death Benefits
Description
The program recognizes and compensates eligible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans and members, and in some cases surviving spouses/common-law partners and surviving dependant children, for the non-economic effects of service-related disability, death, and/or detention. Compensation is provided in the form of a lump sum Death Benefit, Detention Benefits and Disability Award with options for the Disability Award to be paid in annual payments or a combination of annual payments and lump sum. A lump-sum Critical Injury Benefit is also provided to eligible CAF members and Veterans to address the immediate impacts of the most severe and traumatic service-related incidents occurring on or after April 1, 2006. This program also compensates eligible Veterans for specially made clothing, or wear and tear on clothing, due to a disability. This program is funded through the following transfer payment: Disability Awards and Allowances and Critical Injury Benefit.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 743,626,520 | 748,282,531 | 4,656,011 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 451.0 | 441.4 | (9.6) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans, CAF members and other individuals receive timely decisions on applications for disability awards, critical injury and death benefits | % of Disability Award applications awaiting a decision that are less than 16 weeks old. | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 26% | n/aFootnote 2 | n/aFootnote 2 |
| % of Disability Award decisions rendered within 16 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 40% | 48% | 41%* *Indicator = 12 weeks |
|
| % of Critical Injury Benefit decisions rendered within 12 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 48% | 70% | n/aFootnote 3 |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
VAC strives to provide a decision within the allotted time after receiving all the information needed to support an application. Less complex claims are typically completed within the target—more complex claims can take longer. Over the past two years, the Department saw a 32% increase in the number of claims received for adjudication and, while the Department hired additional staff to address a backlog of applications, these resources weren’t enough to overcome the higher than planned uptake in applications.
Sub-Program 1.2.1: Earnings Loss Benefit
Description
This program provides income replacement to respond to the economic impact a military career-ending or service-connected health problem may have on a Veteran’s ability to earn income after release from the CAF. To meet their basic needs, eligible Veterans participating in the Veterans Affairs Canada’s rehabilitation program are provided, after military release, with temporary income replacement in the form of a monthly payment, so that their income does not fall below 75% of their gross pre-release military salary. Where a Veteran who had been participating in the rehabilitation program is not able to participate in suitable gainful employment (because of health problems), the income replacement continues until the Veteran reaches the age of 65. This benefit can also be paid to the survivors and/or orphans of a Veteran who dies as a result of a service-related injury or disease, until the Veteran would have reached the age of 65 years. If a Veteran is designated as totally and permanently incapacitated, he or she can also receive a Permanent Impairment Allowance Supplement. This program uses funding from the Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 196,511,801 | 273,600,241 | 77,088,440 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 26.0 | 36.1 | 10.1 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans are able to fund their basic needs | % of Veterans completing the Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program who report that their income during their participation in the Program was sufficient to meeting their basic living expenses, or better. | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 70% | n/aFootnote 4 | 92% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
On October 1, 2016, the Earnings Loss Benefit was increased from 75% to 90% as committed to in the Minister’s Mandate Letter. This program change, combined with an increase in CAF Long Term Disability [CAF-LTD (SISIP)] clients contributed to an increase of 93% in applications over the previous year.
Sub-Program 1.2.2: Permanent Impairment Allowance
Description
This program recognizes the impact on employment potential and career advancement caused by severe and permanent service-related disabilities. A monthly allowance is payable to CAF Veterans who have received a disability benefit for health conditions that are creating a permanent and severe impairment and for which Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program eligibility have been approved. The allowance is payable at an increased amount to Veterans not capable of suitable gainful employment (because of eligible health problems). This program uses funding from the Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 69,944,376 | 82,859,063 | 12,914,687 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 27.0 | 30.7 | 3.7 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for Permanent Impairment Allowance | % of Permanent Impairment Allowance decisions rendered within 12 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 31% | 9% | 61% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
The intake of Permanent Impairment Allowance applications increased over the last year. Anticipation of Budget 2016 changes was the biggest driver of this increase. In 2015-16 the Centralized Operations Division met the service standard of 12 weeks only 9% of the time. Even with the increased workload they were able to increase this to 31% of the time in 2016–17.
Sub-Program 1.2.3: Retirement Benefits
Description
This program provides eligible CAF Veterans with assurance that they will have sufficient funds to meet their basic needs after age 65. The Retirement Income Security Benefit is a taxable monthly income support benefit for eligible Veterans that ensures their annual income does not fall below 70% of the financial benefits they were eligible to receive from VAC before age 65. The Supplementary Retirement Benefit, a taxable lump-sum payment providing compensation for lost opportunities to contribute to retirement pensions, is also available to Veterans whom Veterans Affairs Canada has designated totally and permanently incapacitated. This benefit is equal to 2% of the total amount of Earnings Loss Benefit payments to the Veteran before income offsets. Survivors may also be eligible for a benefit under this program, payable after the Veteran would have reached the age of 65 years. This program is funded through the following transfer payments: Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,393,945 | 990,523 | (1,403,422) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Retirement Income Security Benefit and Supplementary Retirement Benefits | % of Retirement Benefit decisions rendered within 4 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 86% | 56% | 91% |
Sub-Program 1.2.4: Canadian Forces Income Support Benefit
Description
This program ensures that eligible Veterans have a minimum level of family income to meet basic needs while they are engaged in job-search activities. This is achieved through a temporary monthly payment that supports low-income CAF Veterans who have completed Veterans Affairs Canada’s Rehabilitation Program but have not yet obtained employment. Program recipients must continue to meet the income test to maintain eligibility for this benefit, and some must demonstrate that they continue to seek employment. This program is also available to survivors and/or orphans of Veterans in certain circumstances. This program uses funding from the Canadian Forces Income Support Allowance transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,309,590 | 1,204,933 | (104,657) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 0.9 | (0.1) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for Canadian Forces Income Support | % of Canadian Forces Income Support decisions rendered within 4 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 73% | 58% | 85% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
The Centralized Processing Centre processes the Canadian Forces Income Support (CFIS) Benefit, as well as the Earnings Loss Benefit, Permanent Impairment Allowance Supplement, and Career Transition Services. Increased workload demands associated with these other programs caused some delay in processing CFIS applications.
Sub-Program 1.2.5: War Veterans Allowance
Description
This program provides financial assistance to eligible Veterans, Merchant Navy Veterans, qualified civilians and their survivors, dependants, and orphans. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with a regular monthly income to meet basic needs and/or access to other Veterans Affairs Canada programs. Eligibility for the War Veterans Allowance is determined by the wartime service of a Veteran or qualified civilian, age or health, family income, and residency. A surviving spouse, a surviving common-law partner, or orphan may also qualify for an Allowance. Recipients may also be eligible to receive financial assistance for emergencies or unexpected contingencies through the Assistance Fund. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: War Veterans Allowances and Civilian War Allowances, Assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Assistance Fund Regulations, Assistance to Canadian Veterans - Overseas District, Veterans Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment (statutory), Returned Soldiers Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment (statutory), Repayments under Section 15 of the War Service Grants Act (statutory), and Re-Establishment Credits under Section 8 of the War Service Grants Act (statutory).| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 7,879,517 | 7,328,437 | (551,080) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 4.9 | (0.1) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans and their survivors receive timely decisions on applications for War Veterans Allowance | % of War Veterans Allowance decisions rendered within 4 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 75% | 85% | 93% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
Due to retirements, the number of fully trained War Veterans Allowance analysts was greatly reduced in 2016-17. These analysts are also required to support general calls made to the NCCN which resulted in conflicting priorities. Additional analysts are currently being trained to address this issue.
Sub-Program 1.3.1: Health Care Benefits
Description
This program provides eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians and other individuals with access to appropriate treatment benefits for their health needs. Treatment benefits include medical, surgical, or dental examinations or treatment; surgical or prosthetic devices and aids and their maintenance; home adaptations to accommodate the use of devices or aids; preventive health care; pharmaceuticals; and travel and other expenses incurred to access these benefits. This program is delivered through operating funds.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 382,960,400 | 423,755,188 | 40,794,788 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 369.0 | 395.1 | 26.1 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans and other individuals have timely access to the Health Care Benefit Program | % of Health Care Identification cards sent within 3 weeks | 90% | March 31, 2017 | 100% | 100% | 100% *Indicator = 6 weeks |
Sub-Program 1.3.2: Rehabilitation Services
Description
This program provides Veterans with military career-ending or service-connected health problems (and, in certain circumstances, survivors, spouses, or common-law partners) with funding, after military release, to ensure timely access to the rehabilitation or vocational assistance services needed to improve their functional capacity and employability, and reduce barriers to re-establishment in civilian life. Through this program, Veterans and their families have access to health insurance through the Public Service Health Care Plan, if they are not otherwise eligible. The Department can also provide eligible Veterans and survivors funding for career transition services. Most of these services are funded through operating funds, except for Career Transition Services, which is funded through the Career Transition Services transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 63,007,137 | 67,709,653 | 4,702,516 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 285.0 | 338.4 | 53.4 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Rehabilitation and Vocational Assistance Programs and the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) | % of rehabilitation program eligibility decisions rendered within 2 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 74% | 71% | 78% |
| % of PSHCP eligibility decisions rendered within 4 weeks. | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 82% | 74% | 83% | |
| % of Career Transition Services eligibility decisions rendered within 4 weeks. | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 31% | 53% | 96% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
On October 1, 2016, Earnings Loss Benefits were increased from 75% to 90% as committed to in the Minister’s Mandate Letter. This, combined with an increase in CAF Long Term Disability [CAF-LTD (SISIP)] clients, contributed to an increase in applications for rehabilitation services this year.
Career Transition Services (CTS) decisions are made by the same staff who process claims for Financial Benefits. Changes to the Earnings Loss Benefit in October 2016 and the Career Impact Allowance in April 2017 resulted in additional workload in these other programs, leaving less time to process applications for CTS.
Sub-Program 1.3.3: Intermediate and Long Term Care
Description
This program supports eligible Veterans and other individuals who require a nursing-home type of care to meet their needs. The program works in cooperation with provincial agencies and long-term care facilities to support eligible Veterans and other individuals in an appropriate long-term care setting. This program is delivered through operating funds and from the Contributions to Veterans transfer payment, under the Veterans Independence Program.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 269,155,775 | 263,256,231 | (5,899,544) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 105.0 | 120.7 | 15.7 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on Long Term Care support | % of Long Term Care decisions completed within 10 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 45% | 65% | 77% |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
Veterans often apply for Long Term Care (LTC) to determine eligibility before being offered a placement in a LTC facility, which can take several months. The current measurement does not take into account that decisions cannot be rendered until the Veteran has received a placement, and VAC confirms the suitability and cost of care in that facility. A more appropriate performance indicator is expected to be in place for the 2018-2019 reporting period.
Sub-Program 1.3.4: Veterans Independence Program (VIP)
Description
This program provides funding to eligible Veterans, certain Reserve Force personnel, civilians, survivors, and primary caregivers, so that they can access home and community care and support services to meet their physical, mental, and social needs. This assistance allows them to remain healthy and independent in their own homes and communities. The services and benefits that may be funded include home care services and personal care (housekeeping, access to nutrition, grounds maintenance, and ambulatory health care), home adaptations, and transportation services. Housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services are also available to eligible survivors and primary caregivers. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance Grant and Contributions to Veterans under the Veterans Independence Program.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 336,143,745 | 329,949,550 | (6,194,195) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 223.0 | 241.4 | 18.4 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans' needs for home care and support are met | % of Veterans Independence Program recipients who rely on the program to remain in their homes | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 99% | 98% | 95% |
| % of Veterans Independence Program recipients who report that the Veterans Independence Program meets their needs | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 82% | 81% | 83% |
Sub-Program 1.3.5: Family Caregiver Relief Benefit
Description
The Family Caregiver Relief Benefit provides eligible Veterans with an annual tax-free grant payment. The amount of the grant is indexed every January 1st. This benefit ensures that Veterans continue to get the support they need when their informal caregivers are temporarily unavailable. It allows an informal caregiver to take time off and recharge or attend to his or her own health and well-being, knowing that someone else is providing necessary services and support to the Veteran in his or her absence. This program uses funding from the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,180,205 | 2,311,852 | 131,647 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 1.9 | (0.1) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Veterans receive timely decisions on applications for the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit | % of Family Caregiver Relief Benefit eligibility decisions rendered within 6 weeks | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 79% | 83% | n/aFootnote 5 |
Sub-Program 1.3.6: Ste. Anne's Hospital
Description
Ste. Anne’s Hospital supports eligible Veterans, CAF members and civilians so that their physical, mental, and social needs are met. The Hospital provides high quality long term and respite care services, along with a vast range of programs to eligible Veterans and civilians. Through its Day Centre, it is able to offer support services to those still residing in their communities and, through the Ste. Anne’s Centre, it provides mental-health services to Veterans and CAF members. This program is delivered through operating funds.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 35,801,600 | 68,527,414 | 32,725,814 |
Note: The transfer agreement between VAC and the Province of Quebec contains provisions in future years to cover items such as information technology conversion, changes to the building, taxes, and costs associated with employee transfers.
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: With the completed transfer of the hospital to the Province of Quebec, VAC does not have FTEs attributed to Sub-Program 1.3.6 in 2016–17.
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Sub-Program 2.1.1: Public Recognition and Awareness
Description
This program pays tribute to Canadian Veterans and those who died in service, and raises awareness of their achievements and sacrifices. This includes organizing commemorative ceremonies and events, both in Canada and overseas, in collaboration with regional, national, and international partners. This program also engages Canadians, most notably educators and youth, in remembrance through a suite of resources and initiatives that tell our country’s military history. It also ensures that first-issue and replacement war-service medals are provided to Veterans, and that the Minister’s Commendation is presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary service to Veterans. This program is delivered through operating funds.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 12,928,967 | 16,722,348 | 3,793,381 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 65.0 | 60.7 | (4.3) |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadians, especially youth, have increased knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans and those who died in service | % of educators using VAC educational resources who report increased youth knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans and those who died in service | 85% | March 31, 2017 | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| Canadian Veterans and those who died in service are publicly recognized and important Canadian military milestones are marked regionally, nationally and internationally | # of VAC-led and VAC-supported ceremonies and events | 250 | March 31, 2017 | 396 | 325 | n/aFootnote 6 |
Sub-Program 2.1.2: Commemorative Partnership Program
Description
This program expands the reach of remembrance programming by providing financial assistance for commemorative initiatives. These initiatives are undertaken by organizations that wish to ensure that the achievements of our Veterans and the fallen are not forgotten. As a result, Canadians have more opportunities to participate in remembrance activities. This program is delivered through operating funds, as well as funding from the following transfer payments: Grant for Commemorative Partnerships and contributions under the Commemorative Partnership Program.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 3,651,979 | 9,473,430 | 5,821,451 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 10.0 | 10.4 | 0.4 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadians have more opportunities to participate in remembrance activities | # of projects that received financial support under the Commemorative Partnership Program | 225 | March 31, 2017 | 236 | 257 | n/aFootnote 6 |
Sub-Program 2.1.3: Memorial and Cemetery Maintenance
Description
This program preserves the memory of Canadians who served their country in war and peace, by maintaining symbols of remembrance in perpetuity. This includes responsibility for the 14 World War memorials in Europe, grave markers all over the world, and two departmental cemeteries in Canada. Graves of more than 110,000 war dead in Europe and in Canada, as well as war memorials overseas, are cared for in collaboration with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This program also provides funding through an annual grant for the maintenance of the graves of Canadian war dead buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial and the Books of Remembrance are also maintained through this program, which is delivered through operating and maintenance funds, as well as funding from the following transfer payments: the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, and the Canadian Veterans Association of the United Kingdom.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 17,839,942 | 19,651,969 | 1,812,027 |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 12.0 | 12.9 | 0.9 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorials, grave markers and cemeteries for which VAC is responsible are maintained in accordance with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's standards and VAC's National Technical Maintenance Manual on behalf of all Canadians | # of maintenance items completed in Canadian cemeteries | 3,000 | March 31, 2017 | 2,710 | 4,046 | 3,730 Number of gravemarkers maintained in accordance with the standards of VAC’s National Technical Maintenance Manual Target = 7,000 |
Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
In 2016–17, a significant portion of maintenance items completed in Canadian cemeteries were high cost items. As a result, the total number of maintenance items that could be completed within the allocated budget was 10% below the established target.
Sub-Program 2.1.4: Funeral and Burial Program
Description
This program provides financial assistance toward funeral, burial, and grave-marking expenses of eligible Veterans, to recognize their service to Canada. Under the Veterans Burial Regulations, 2005, assistance is available for Veterans whose deaths were a result of their service or whose estates do not have sufficient funds for a dignified funeral, burial, and grave-marking. The Funeral and Burial Program is administered by the Last Post Fund Corporation, an independent, non-profit organization, on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. This program is delivered through operating and maintenance funds, as well as funding from the Last Post Fund transfer payment.
| 2016–17 Planned spending |
2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used)* |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 11,896,618 | 9,706,064 | (2,190,554) |
| 2016–17 Planned |
2016–17 Actual |
2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 7.0 | 0.0 |
| Expected result | Performance indicator | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual result |
2015–16 Actual result |
2014–15 Actual result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial support is provided to eligible Veterans for funeral, burial, and grave-marking expenses | % of times that decisions are made and payments are processed for means-tested funeral and burial benefits within the published service standard of 30 calendar days | 80% | March 31, 2017 | 89% | 87% | 88% |