The Evaluation of Public Recognition and Awareness was conducted in accordance with Veterans Affairs Canada’s approved Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2015-20 and with the directive and standards specified in Treasury Board of Canada’s 2016 Policy on Results.
The evaluation covered four components of the Canada Remembers Program: Commemorative Ceremonies and Events; the Commemorative Partnership Program; Learning and Public Information; and Memorials. While each component has different objectives, they are all intended to reaffirm Canada's commitment to remember the 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.
The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
All five core issues, as identified by Treasury Board, were examined with largely positive results. For example, all four components remain relevant, demonstrate a continued need, and align with Government of Canada priorities and federal roles and responsibilities. The evaluation team identified several shortfalls and areas for improvements in relation to: the achievement of certain outcomes (performance); the adequacy of processes; and efficiency and economy.
The evaluation resulted in the following recommendations:
- Recommendation #1
- It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, build on current practices to enhance awareness of commemorative events in Canada.
- Recommendation #2
- It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, review and update current practices and procedures to ensure the appropriate maintenance and monitoring of memorial sites in Europe occurs in accordance with annual plans.
- Recommendation #3
- It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, develop and implement measures to capture visitor experience feedback associated with Veterans Affairs Canada’s memorial sites in Europe.
- Recommendation #4
- It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, develop and implement consistent planning and post-mortem documentation requirements for commemorative ceremonies and events.