VAC is responsible for the maintenance, preservation, and presentation of 14 memorials located in Europe. Two memorials located in France, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, are National Historic Sites of Canada.
Approximately 800,000 people visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial annually, while the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial site has approximately 180,000 visitors each year. A 2015 comparison of visitation rates to National historic sites in Canada can be found in Appendix E. When comparing visitation between VAC and Parks Canada national historic sites, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial has the second highest visitation. The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial has the sixth highest visitation.
As stated in the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998), it is in the national interest to ensure the commemorative integrity of national historic sites. A national historic site possesses commemorative integrity when:
- the resources directly related to the reasons for designation as a national historic site are not impaired or under threat;
- the reasons for designation as a national historic site are effectively communicated to the public; and
- the site's heritage values (including those not related to the reasons for designation as a national historic site) are respected in all decisions and actions affecting the site.
As identified during interviews and through a review of current maintenance plans, VAC must increase efforts to put processes in place aimed at preserving the commemorative integrity of its overseas national historic sites. Interviews highlighted that although a commemorative integrity statement (CIS) has been developed and approved for the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, a CIS has not been formally approved for the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. In addition, processes are not in place to initiate formalized commemorative integrity assessments for either of VAC’s national historic sites.
Further, as stated in the Government of Canada Remembrance Policy, VAC is obligated to “Build knowledge and skills capacity in remembrance programming calling upon the expertise of other government departments and stakeholders in this regard as required.” As it pertains to national historic sites, the Government of Canada Remembrance Policy identifies that Parks Canada Agency is responsible to “Ensure the commemorative integrity of national historic sites under the Minister’s direction and control, and provide support to other owners of national historic sites in respect of commemorative integrity.” Key informant interviews identified and suggested that VAC should seek support and guidance from Parks Canada regarding the commemorative integrity of VAC’s national historic sites.
Recommendation 3
It is recommended that the Director General, Commemoration, take measures to ensure the ongoing commemorative integrity of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France.
Management Response:
Management agrees with this recommendation.
| Corrective Action to be Taken | Office of Primary Interest (OPI) | Target Date |
|---|---|---|
| The draft commemorative integrity statement for the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial will be completed and approved. An approach, including criteria and timeframes, will be developed and implemented regarding the assessment of the two National Historic Sites in France based on the approved commemorative integrity statements (Canadian National Vimy Memorial commemorative integrity statement already approved). | Director General, Commemoration | April 2019 |