ACVA Committee Report

 Government Response to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs’
Commemoration in the 21st Century Report

The Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the recommendations of the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs entitled Commemoration in the 21st Century.

Over the past few years, opinion polls conducted for Veterans Affairs Canada have consistently shown that an overwhelming number of Canadians feel that Canada’s Veterans should be recognized for the sacrifices they have made. Most recently, in a 2011 opinion poll by Phoenix Strategic Perspective Inc., 93% agreed with this statement. The Government of Canada is highly committed to its commemorative mandate and continues to ensure that the memory of Veterans’ achievements and sacrifices are kept alive for all Canadians.

The Government is pleased to learn that the Committee is of the view that commemorative work being done by various government departments, Veterans and stakeholder organizations is making inroads with Canadians, especially youth. Although there is room for improvement, the dedication and work done by those who carry out this work was clearly evident to the Committee.

The Government has carefully reviewed and considered the Committee’s Report and is pleased to note that it is already actioning a number of the recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the Government of Canada publicly recognize the important role World War One played in shaping the Canadian identity, and that the government consider establishing an advisory committee to ensure the suitable commemoration of the centennial anniversary.

Response

The Government of Canada recognizes the First World War Centennial as one of the most significant commemorative occasions in Canada’s history. During the First World War (1914-1918), Canada’s and Newfoundland’s contributions were great and involved sacrifices by virtually all Canadians and Newfoundlanders, at home and abroad. By 1918, over 650,000 had served in the armed forces, representing over 8% of the entire population. More than 66,000 gave their lives and another 170,000 were wounded. The many successes on the battlefield, and especially the Battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, are considered widely to represent Canada’s coming of age as a nation.

Canada is recognized as a world leader in the area of commemoration and has an excellent record in leading major commemorative initiatives, both in Canada and overseas. A few examples in recent years include the 60th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War in 2004-2005, the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2007 and the 90th Anniversary of the End of the First World War in 2008.

The Government of Canada has begun planning to mark the First World War Centennial, both in Canada and overseas, to ensure that Canadians have opportunities to commemorate this significant and important anniversary and better understand the impact this event had on shaping Canada’s national identity. Through a series of remembrance initiatives commemorating the First World War, Canadians will have a better understanding of the magnitude of the sacrifices and achievements that Canadians made during the First World War and their impact Canada’s development as a nation.

Given the importance of Canada’s Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada is exploring options to facilitate stakeholder input to the Minister on a broad spectrum of matters, including the First World War Centennial. In addition, the Department has established a stakeholder committee re-grouping representatives from major national Veterans' organizations, traditional as well as new and emerging, which can also be drawn upon for input and advice.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Government of Canada consider holding an official public commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the end of the Boer War.

Response

Commemorating Canada’s military history is of great importance to the Government of Canada and to all Canadians. We do this by honouring the achievements and sacrifices of all who have served from early pre-Confederation conflicts like the Fenian Raids and the War of 1812, to the post-Confederation wars and conflicts from the South African War 1899-1902, to the war in Afghanistan. The Government of Canada is fully committed to ensuring that Canadians remember and demonstrate their recognition of all those who served in Canada’s efforts during war, military conflict and peace.

The South African War, often referred to as the Boer War, broke out on October 11, 1899. This war marked the first occasion in which large contingents of Canadian troops served abroad. More than 7,000 Canadians volunteered in the South African War, with more than 250 giving their lives. The sacrifices of the Canadians who died in the South African War are commemorated in the South African War Book of Remembrance, which is housed within the hallowed walls of the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower in Ottawa. The Government also maintains the Boer War Memorial, located in Confederation Park, in Ottawa. This monument is dedicated to Canadian volunteers who died in the South African War.

The Government of Canada will mark the 110th Anniversary of the South African War with a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial on May 31, 2012, the anniversary of the signing of the Peace of Vereeniging in 1902. In addition, Veterans Affairs Canada will update its Web feature on the South African War and create a new historical sheet devoted to the war. There will also be an article commemorating the South African War in the 2012 Veterans’ Week edition of the Canada Remembers Times, a newspaper targeted at students across Canada, with a distribution of over 800,000. These various initiatives will ensure that Canadians can reconnect with their history and commemorate a significant moment of our past, as well as the sacrifices of so many.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That the Government of Canada consider erecting a bust of William Hall at the Valiants’ Memorial in Ottawa to commemorate the military contribution of Black Canadians.

Through its commemoration programs, learning materials and historical publications, the Government of Canada highlights the rich diversity of the Canadians who have served in the military. To this end Veterans Affairs Canada has developed a number of information pieces such as Black Canadians in Uniform – A Proud Tradition, Native Soldiers – Foreign Battlefields, Aboriginal-Canadians in the Second World War, and Canadian Chinese Veterans. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the recognition of all those who have served, such as Black Canadians. Black Canadians have a long history of service in uniform. From pre-Confederation to the recent war in Afghanistan, Black Canadians have served and continue to serve with honour and distinction. As highlighted in the Standing Committee's Report, William Hall made a significant contribution to our history. He was recognized for his contribution as the first Black naval Veteran, and he is the first Nova Scotian (pre-confederation) to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Lucknow, India). The Government has commemorated William Hall through an Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada cairn and plaque in Hants, Nova Scotia, where he is buried. In 2010, to mark Black History month, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp depicting William Hall. The Valiants' Memorial currently recognizes the courage and endurance of valiant individuals during five periods of war crucial for Canada by featuring the statues of 14 men and women of remarkable courage who served their country in war. Veterans Affairs Canada will work with key Government departments and agencies such as the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Canadian Heritage to explore new and innovative ways to enhance the Valiants' Memorial and the National War Memorial site to recognize Canadians of diverse backgrounds such as William Hall and others.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the Government of Canada continue to support the Canadian War Museum, the Juno Beach Centre, the Vimy Foundation and the Historica-Dominion Institute in their efforts to bring the riches of their exhibits, research and publications to all Canadians so that they have the opportunity to learn more about Canada’s military history.

Response

The Government of Canada recognizes the value and benefits of organizations who share the Government’s dedication and commitment to Veterans and to commemorating their achievements and sacrifices. It acknowledges that the Government alone cannot bring the message of remembrance to all Canadians and looks to others to help educate and engage the public in commemoration and, as such, appreciates the tremendous contribution of its partners.

Veterans Affairs Canada delivers its commemoration mandate through the Canada Remembers Program. This program endeavours to keep alive the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. It is delivered through initiatives such as learning resources and public awareness, ceremonies and events, as well as partnerships and collaborations.

While Veterans Affairs Canada is the Government lead in post-Confederation military commemoration, there is strong collaboration with other departments such as Canadian Heritage, National Defence and Foreign Affairs and International Trade. For example, the Department of Canadian Heritage, in addition to playing a lead role in ceremonies and events in Ottawa and at national historic sites, is involved in activities such as researching military and peacekeeping history collected by the Canadian War Museum, Parks Canada, Library and Archives Canada and designating historical persons, sites and events of national significance. The Department of National Defence provides military support for both domestic and overseas commemorative events and provides access to historical records as they collect, protect and preserve Canada’s military heritage.

The Government also partners with non-profit groups and organizations through contribution programs. Through such partnerships, financial support has been provided to organizations such as Historica-Dominion Institute and the Juno Beach Centre Association. Future opportunities to work with non-profit groups and organizations are being explored as part of the planning for the First World War Centennial.

The Government of Canada looks forward to being involved in initiatives with existing partners, as well as other organizations for new and innovative projects that complement the commemorative work of the Government. The Government, other organizations and indeed all Canadians have a stake in learning, remembering and promoting our country’s military history and ensuring that those who served Canada and who continue to serve today are recognized and honoured for their significant contributions, not just to Canada, but to the world.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That the Government of Canada study the best ways of improving the visitor experience and visitor services at major Canadian memorials in Europe, in collaboration with organizations such as the Vimy Foundation.

Response

The Government owns and operates 13 Canadian First World War memorials in France and Belgium. These memorials were erected to commemorate events of particular historical importance to Canadians and Newfoundlanders and honour the sacrifices of those who served during the First World War. Two of these memorials have been designated as National Historic Sites: the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. Having hundreds of acres of First World War conserved battlefield makes these two sites unique as they collectively represent 80% of the world’s conserved battlefield terrain from the era. As a result, they receive hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from throughout Europe and the world. A 14th memorial, The Canadian Memorial, acquired by the Government in 2008, is located in Green Park, London, and honours those Canadians who served in the United Kingdom during the First and Second World Wars.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of good planning to ensure a positive visitor experience at these sites at all times, with particular attention during peak commemorative periods. Through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, young energetic Canadian university students are trained as guides to work at the two largest national historic sites in France. These university students are excellent ambassadors for Canada abroad and carry the torch of remembrance for the future.

The two historic sites in France at Beaumont-Hamel and Vimy have seen increased visitation in recent years and have been the site for major commemorative ceremonies such as the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2007. This was a significant event which saw record numbers of approximately 30,000 people in attendance. Well-planned site management, temporary infrastructure and additional staff allowed Canada to welcome Canadians and other global citizens to these sites, while staging a world-class commemorative event.

The upcoming First World War Centennial will again put these First World War sites in the international spotlight as not only Canadians, but the world, come to remember those who have served. Given the expected increase in visitation, the Department is studying the best ways of improving the visitor experience and services at all of its Canadian memorials in Europe and looks forward to continued collaboration with organizations such as the Vimy Foundation in this important work.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Last Post Fund, the Office of the Veterans’ Ombudsman and veterans’ organizations, consider amending the Veterans Burial Regulations, 2005:

• To expand eligibility criteria;
• to ensure that the deduction used in calculating the net value of assets is reasonably increased and annually indexed; and
• to replace the list of maximum amounts for eligible expenses by a reasonably increased lump sum that would be indexed annually.

Response

Generations of Veterans have served their country to ensure that Canadians may live in a free and peaceful country and have protected the rights and freedoms of others around the world. As such, services and benefits to Veterans, including funeral and burial benefits, continue to be of great importance to the Government of Canada.

The Government of Canada has traditionally assumed responsibility for the burial of members of the Canadian armed forces who died during battle and, later, those who died as a result of war-related injuries. In the years following the end of the Second World War and the Korean War, benefits were expanded to Veterans who died without the financial means to provide for a dignified funeral and burial.

The Last Post Fund Corporation, a non-profit organization, has been mandated to deliver the Funeral and Burial Program on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. Assistance is provided to deceased Veterans who need it the most, regardless of military rank or decoration.

It is incumbent on the Government of Canada to be continually reviewing and improving its programs and services to Canadians and to ensure that programs remain relevant. To this end the Veterans Burial Regulations, 2005 were amended as part of the New Veterans’ Charter initiative on April 1, 2006, and eligibility to means-tested funeral and burial assistance was expanded to include low-income modern-day Veterans who were in receipt of Canadian Forces income support and earnings loss benefits. The regulations were again amended January 1, 2010 to restore pre-1995 eligibility for Allied Veterans living in Canada with respect to funeral and burial assistance. Veterans Affairs Canada continues to examine the Funeral and Burial Program as part of its commitment to meeting the needs of Veterans and their families