Audit and Evaluation Division – Veterans Affairs Canada – December 2025
Evaluation results
Relevance and need
The evaluation confirms a sustained need for Veteran and family-focused health research, particularly in the areas of chronic pain and mental health. Since 2019, program funding has supported more than 100 research projects, reflecting the growing demand for evidence-based insights to enhance awareness and inform clinical practices and policy. Program objectives remain aligned with Government of Canada priorities and the mandate of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and are shaped by the lived experiences of Veterans and families.
The Research and Innovation Program is meeting its core objectives and remains relevant to the needs of Veterans and their families. The evaluation identifies an opportunity to review and clarify the role and mandate of the department in research linked to first responders.
Effectiveness and efficiency
Performance was measured primarily against indicators in the program’s established performance information profile. While information is being captured and reported, inconsistencies exist and performance indicators focus on program reach rather than impact. One program component lacks indicators, limiting the assessment. Two funded centres of excellence (the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence and the Atlas Institute) have met or exceeded targets for partnerships, knowledge products, and audience reach. Citation rates for research studies are increasing, indicating strong uptake of their work. The final program component, the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) is also on pace to meet expectations, as they continue to expand partnerships and their peer-reviewed journal reach grows.
Knowledge mobilization was a recurring theme throughout the evaluation. Although all program sub-components emphasize dissemination, there is no centralized repository or formal mechanism to ensure research flows to VAC. This reduces the potential for research to inform VAC policy and program development improvement.
Program funds are spent with minimal lapse. However, sustainability risks exist. Centres of excellence rely solely on VAC for funding, and fixed annual contributions lose value over time. These factors may constrain organizations’ ability to meet objectives and/or adapt in the future. VAC’s role as sole funder for the centres of excellence ensures alignment with VAC’s mandate but presents risks and limitations. The evaluation was not able to assess VAC’s administrative costs for all program components individually. Overall, program expenditures account for less than half a percent of total departmental program expenditures.
Funding provided through contribution agreements to organizations is supporting capacity building in the Veteran and family-related health research field. Strengthening indicators, establishing mechanisms for knowledge sharing, and addressing funding and resource risks will position the program to better achieve its intended outcomes and maintain alignment with federal priorities.
Program description
- The Research and Innovation Program supports Veteran and family-related health and well-being through evidence-based research and knowledge mobilization efforts.
- Established in April 2019, the Program has its origins in a 2015 commitment to expand the evidence base on Veterans’ health needs, including establishing two centres of excellence.
- To support the program, grant and contribution funding is provided through multi-year contribution agreements to three external arms-length organizations – the Atlas Institute, the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence, and CIMVHR.
- A fourth component, the Joint Federal Research Funding Program for Military Personnel and Veterans (JFRFP) aims to enhance the well-being of CAF members, Veterans, and their families by supporting Canadian research. It is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CFHS), Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and CIMHVR.
- Total expenditures for the Research and Innovation Program were approximately $25.5 million in 2024-25.
- Program management of the Research and Innovation Program is shared between VAC’s Research Directorate and the VAC’s Health Professionals Directorate.