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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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