We honour the service of Canada's Veterans and preserve their legacy. One way we do this is by maintaining over 250,000 Veteran grave markers across Canada.
About this program
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) maintains the grave markers of more than 250,000 Veterans in approximately 7,700 cemeteries across Canada. These military grave markers were installed by the Government of Canada for Veterans who qualified for funeral and burial financial assistance at the time of their passing.
Through a national inspection and repair cycle, we address any maintenance required to the Veteran grave markers that fall under our care and responsibility.
Additional information
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for graves of 110,355 Canadian war dead who died during the periods of:
- the First World War - 4 August 1914 to 31 August 1921, and
- the Second World War - 3 September 1939 to 31 December 1947.
These graves are located around the world. For more information, please visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
You can help
If you know of an eligible Veteran gravesite that requires maintenance or you require additional information about this program, please contact the Grave Marker Maintenance program by email or call 1-866-522-2122.
Related programs
Funeral and burial assistance – Financial assistance with funeral and burial services for eligible Veterans
Canadian Virtual War Memorial – an online registry that honours Canadians who have given their lives in service to their country.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Is Veterans Affairs Canada responsible for all Veteran grave markers?
A1. VAC is not responsible for all Veteran grave markers. We are responsible for the military markers that we provided and installed for Veterans who qualified for funeral and burial financial assistance at the time of their passing.
We are not responsible for maintaining private grave markers.
Q2. What is the difference between a war dead marker that is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and a Veteran marker that is maintained by VAC?
A2. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for the graves of 110,355 Canadians who died during the following periods:
- the First World War – 4 August 1914 to 31 August 1921, and
- the Second World War – 3 September 1939 to 31 December 1947.
VAC is responsible for maintaining the grave markers of more than 250,000 Veterans who qualified for the funeral and burial assistance at the time of their passing.