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Veterans Affairs


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Section III – Supplementary information

Organizational Information

Portfolio Mandates

Veterans Affairs' mandate stems from laws, regulations and Orders in Council. Among the more significant is the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, which charges the Minister of Veterans Affairs with the following responsibilities for the Department:

"the care, treatment, or re-establishment in civil life of any person who served in the Canadian Forces or merchant navy or in the naval, army or air forces or merchant navies of Her Majesty, of any person who has otherwise engaged in pursuits relating to war, and of any other person designated ... the care of the dependants or survivors of any person referred to..."

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board's mandate is full and exclusive jurisdiction to hear, determine and deal with all applications for review and appeal that may be made to the Board under the Pension Act, the War Veterans Allowance Act and other acts of parliament.

Accountability

The Minister of Veterans Affairs is supported by a Deputy Minister and an Associate Deputy Minister. The Associate Deputy reports directly to the Deputy. The Department has three branches and two divisions which report to the Deputy Minister, while four divisions report directly to the Associate Deputy Minister. General Counsel is functionally responsible to the Deputy Minister for legal services.

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board is headed by a Chairperson who is the Chief Executive Officer and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The Chairperson is supported by a Deputy Chairperson, as many as 29 full-time, permanent Governor-in-Council appointees, and a Director General.

Senior Management Committees

Veterans Affairs Canada has three senior management committees: the Senior Management Committee (SMC), the Departmental Executive Board (DEB), and the Audit and Evaluation Committee (AEC).

VAC's Senior Management Committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister. SMC is the Department's senior departmental review/decision-making committee comprising: Deputy Minister, Associate Deputy Minister, all Assistant Deputy Ministers, three Directors General, and the General Counsel.

The Departmental Executive Board is chaired by the Deputy Minister and consists of all senior management down to and including all Directors General. DEB reviews departmental programs, finance, systems and human resource policies and implementation plans and results. This forum also provides an opportunity for vertical and horizontal information exchange and discussion on organizational, program and commemorative initiatives and events.

AEC's portfolio-wide role includes: approving the audit and evaluation plan, providing advice on risk management; strengthening the independence, objectivity and effectiveness of the internal audit and evaluation functions; emphasizing accountability of managers; and, facilitating communication concerning the internal audit and evaluation functions between senior management, central agencies and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). AEC includes VAC's Deputy Minister (chairperson), Associate Deputy Minister, Department Senior Managers appointed by the Deputy Minister, and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board's Chair. The Treasury Board Secretariat and the OAG sit on this committee as observers.

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board has a Senior Management Team comprising: Chair; Deputy Chair; Director General; Director, Legal Services; and the Director, Professional Development and Advisory Services. The team provides leadership and strategic direction in the delivery of the Board's program and addresses emerging issues.

The organizational charts on the following pages illustrate how Veterans Affairs is structured, keeping in mind that the Deputy Minister and Associate Deputy Minister have overall responsibility for the Department. The Chairperson has overall responsibility for the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

Veterans Affairs Canada Organization

Text Version

The Minister of Veterans Affairs is directly supported by the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada. The Chair of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board reports to Parliament through the Minister of Veterans Affairs. The Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada is directly supported by the Associate Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada.

The following personnel report directly to the Deputy Minister: Assistant Deputy Minister, Veterans Services Branch*; Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Branch; Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Programs and Communications Branch; Director General, Ottawa Operations Director General, Co-ordination Secretariat; General Counsel, Justice Canada**.

The following personnel report directly to the Associate Deputy Minister: Director General, Audit and Evaluation Division; Director, Office of Early Conflict Resolution; Executive Director, Federal Healthcare Partnership; Chief Pensions Advocate, Bureau of Pensions Advocates.

* Includes Regional Offices and Ste. Anne's Hospital
** General Counsel is functionally responsible to the Deputy Minister for legal services.

Chart Version

Veterans Affairs Canada Organization

Veterans Review and Appeal Board Organization

Text Version

The following personnel report directly to the Chair of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board : Deputy Chair, Members, Director General.

Chart Version

Veterans Review and Appeal Board Organization  

Portfolio Links to the Government of Canada Outcome Areas


2007-2008
($ millions) Budgetary Non-Budgetary Total Main Estimates Adjust- ments (Planned Spending not in Main Estimates) Total Planned Spending
Operat- ing Capital Grants Contri- butions and Other Transfer Pay- ments Gross Respend- able Revenue Net Loans, Invest- ments and Advances
Strategic Outcome#1: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death, and Financial Support 106.6 2,075.8 2,182.4 2,182.4 2,182.4 0.2 2,182.6
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services 809.4 22.8 296.3 1,128.5 1,128.5 1,128.5 0.2 1,128.7
Strategic Outcome#2: Canadians remember and demonstrate their recognition of all those who served in Canada's efforts during war, military conflict and peace.
Remembrance Programming 25.4 23.5 2.2 51.1 51.1 51.1 1.8 52.9
Strategic Outcome#3: Fair and effective resolution of disability pension, disability award, and War Veterans Allowance appeals from Canada's war Veterans, eligible Canadian Forces Veterans and members, RCMP clients, qualified civilians and their families.
Veterans Review and Appeal Board redress process for disability pensions and awards 13.7 13.7 13.7 13.7 13.7
Total 955.1 22.8 2,099.3 298.5 2,247.2 3,375.7 3,375.7 2.2 3,377.9

Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death, and Financial Support contributes to the Government of Canada's "Income Security and Employment for Canadians" outcome area.
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services contributes to the Government of Canada's "Healthy Canadians" outcome area.
Remembrance Programming contributes to the Government of Canada's "A Vibrant Canadian Culture and Heritage" outcome area.
Veterans Review and Appeal Board redress process for disability pensions and awards contributes to the Government of Canada's "Income Security and Employment for Canadians" outcome area.

Table 1: Portfolio Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents


($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned Spending 2007-2008 Planned Spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death, Financial Support 2,064.8 2,182.4 2,193.8 2,175.3
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services 1,062.8 1,128.5 1,134.7 1,121.0
Remembrance Programming 61.5 51.1 50.5 50.5
Veterans Review and Appeal Board redress process for disability pensions and awards 13.7 13.7 13.6 13.6
Budgetary Main Estimates (gross) 3,202.8 3,375.7 3,392.6 3,360.4
Total Main Estimates 3,202.8 3,375.7 3,392.6 3,360.4
Adjustments (Planned spending not in Main Estimates):        
Funding for collective bargaining increases 3.0      
Funding to honour Canada's military heroes through the commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the passing of Canada's remaining First World War Veterans 4.9 1.4    
Increase to the grant for disability and death pensions 79.5      
Increased funding for the provision of home care for Veterans and qualified primary care givers, and for intermediate care for Veterans in community facilities 15.0      
Funding of legal costs associated with a class action lawsuit concerning the administration of Veterans' accounts (Authorson litigation) 5.3      
Veterans' Charter – ex gratia payments to survivors attributable to Military Service between May 13, 2005 to March 31, 2006 1.0      
Critical capital for the renovations for Ste. Anne's Hospital and the restoration of Canada's First World War European Monuments 1.0 0.4   10.0
Internal Audit / Audited Financial Statements 0.4 0.4    
Other miscellaneous items 1.7      
Operating budget carry forward (horizontal items) 4.1      
Gross Amount: 3,318.7 3,377.9 3,392.6 3,370.4
Less: Spending authorities available within the Vote (25.6)      
Net Amount: 3,293.1 3,377.9 3,392.6 3,370.4
Other:        
Planned Procurement Savings 1 (0.2)      
Reduced cost of new Ministry (0.7)      
Frozen: Re-profile of Critical Capital 2 (2.1)      
Employee Benefit Plan 1.1      
Total Adjustments (1.9)      
Total Planned Spending 3,291.2 3,377.9 3,392.6 3,370.4
Less: Non-respendable revenue (31.3) (31.5) (31.6) (31.7)
Plus: Cost of services received without charge 32.2 30.8 30.8 30.8
Net cost of Portfolio 3,292.1 3,377.2 3,391.8 3,369.5
Full-Time Equivalents 3,718 3,696 3,681 3,681


1 This reflects the reductions to the Department's planned spending for 2006-2007 as a result of initiatives designed to improve performance in Government procurement.
2 Resources for the Ste. Anne's Hospital Renovation Project were re-profiled from 2006-2007 to future years based on revised project schedules.

Table 2: Voted and Statutory Items

($ millions)
Vote or Statutory Item Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording 2007-2008 Main Estimates 2006-2007 Main Estimates
1 Veterans Affairs Canada – Operating expenditures 905.9 856.8
5 Veterans Affairs Canada – Capital expenditures 22.8 32.0
10 Veterans Affairs Canada – Grants and contributions 2,397.6 2,264.4
15 Veterans Affairs – Veterans Review and Appeal Board – Operating expenditures 9.5 9.4
(S) Re-Establishment Credits under Section 8 of the War Service Grants Act –   –  
(S) Repayments under Section 15 of the War Service Grants Act of compensating adjustments made in accordance with the terms of the Veterans' Land Act –   –  
(S) Returned Soldiers Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment –   –  
(S) Veterans Insurance Actuarial Liability Adjustment 0.2 0.2
(S) Minister of Veterans Affairs salary and motor car allowance 0.1 0.1
(S) Contributions to employee benefit plans 39.6 39.9
  Total Portfolio 3,375.7 3,202.8

Table 3: Services Received Without Charge


($ millions) 2007-2008
Accommodation provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada 14.1
Contributions covering employers' share of employees' Insurance premiums and expenditures paid by TBS (excluding revolving funds) 15.0
Worker's compensation coverage provided by Human Resources and Social Development Canada 0.5
Salary and associated expenditures of legal services provided by Justice Canada 1.2
  30.8
Other  
Total 2007-2008 Services received without charge 30.8

Table 4: Summary of Capital Spending by Program Activity


($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned Spending 2007-2008 Planned Spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Veterans Affairs Program        
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death, and Financial Support
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services 11.0 22.8 19.7 17.7
Remembrance Programming 9.5 0.4
Sub-total 20.5 23.2 19.7 17.7
Veterans Review and Appeal Board Program        
Veterans Review and Appeal Board redress process for disability pensions and awards
Sub-total
Total 20.5 23.2 19.7 17.7

Table 5: Sources of Non-Respendable Revenue


($ millions) Forecast Revenue 2006-2007 Planned Revenue 2007-2008 Planned Revenue 2008-2009 Planned Revenue 2009-2010
Veterans Affairs Program        
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services        
Ste. Anne's Hospital: In-Patient Charges to the Quebec Provincial Plan (Regulatory Service) 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.2
Ste. Anne's Hospital: Dietary Meals (Other Goods and Services) 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4
Ste. Anne's Hospital: Domiciliary Care (Regulatory Care) 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death; and Financial Support        
Recovery of Pensions from foreign governments 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Refund of previous years' expenditures 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5
Other 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Total Non-Respendable Revenue 31.3 31.5 31.6 31.7

Table 6: Resource Requirements by Branch or Sector

($ millions) 2007-2008  
  Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death, and Financial Support Health Care and Reestablish- ment Benefits and Services Remem- brance Program- ming Veterans Review and Appeal Board redress process for disability pensions and awards Total
Veterans Services Branch 2,128.3 1,093.1 –   –   3,221.4
Public Programs & Commun- ications Branch 3.0 2.5 46.8 0.2 52.5
Corporate Services Branch 34.7 27.7 4.9 2.0 69.3
Executive Branch * 16.6 5.4 1.2 0.5 23.7
Veterans Review and Appeal Board –   –   –   11.0 11.0
Total 2,182.6 1,128.7 52.9 13.7 3,377.9

* Executive Branch includes: Executive Services, Bureau of Pensions Advocates, Audit and Evaluation, General Counsel, Office of Early Conflict Resolution, and Policy Planning and Liaison.

Table 7: Portfolio's Regulatory Plan

Regulatory Initiative:

Regulations Expected Results Plans for Achievement
Veterans Burial Regulations, 2005
  • Increased amounts of survivor and dependant estate exemptions
  • Increased funeral and burial basic rates
  • Payment of obituary notice cost up to a maximum amount
  • Payment of clergy or civil ceremony speaker up to a maximum amount
  • Payment of minimum benefit amount

These five enhancements will ensure continuation of dignified funeral services, demonstrating more clearly respect and recognition for Veterans who served in Canada's effort during war, military conflict and peace.

  • No changes in business processes are needed to achieve the expected result.
  • Normal regulatory processes will be followed to bring regulations into force.
  • Increased clarity and ease of usage, by housekeeping and language amendments
  • Technical and housekeeping amendments being sought will make the regulations easier to interpret.
Significance Rating
Ranked as Moderate. Financial impact would involve expenditures approaching 2 million dollars per year. As for social impact, the proposed regulations would have a positive impact on the elderly and lower income survivors of eligible persons.
Summary
2005-06 was a period of heavy/intense major legislative and regulatory initiatives around the New Veterans Charter. The focus of the department in 2006-2007 and through 2007-08 continues to be on the implementation and evaluation of these new programs, as clients and staff adapt to the modernization initiative. There are a number of regulatory amendments and issues currently being explored, but since these are in the early stages of consideration and development, it is too premature to report on them in this year's edition of the Report on Plans and Priorities.

Table 8: Details on Project Spending

VAC has received Effective Project Approval (EPA) for the following two projects:

($ millions) Current Estimated Total Cost Forecast Spending to March 31, 2007 Planned Spending 2007-2008 Planned Spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010 Future Years' Spending Requirement
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services            
Ste. Anne's Hospital Renovation (projected) 114.3 53.0 23.2 20.0 18.1
Remembrance Programming            
European Monuments Restoration 30.0 29.6 0.4

The European Monuments Restoration Project is expected to be completed early in fiscal year 2007-2008 at a total cost of $30 million. The funding identified above for the Ste. Anne's Hospital Renovation project is based on the revised EPA approved by Treasury Board on December 7, 2006 at a total cost of $114.3 million. For further information on the above-mentioned projects, visit: www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20072008/p3a-eng.asp.

Table 9: Details on Transfer Payments Programs

Over the next three fiscal years, Veterans Affairs Canada will manage the following transfer payments programs in excess of $5 million:

($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned Spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned spending 2009-2010
Pensions, and Allowances for Disability and Death 1,777.0 1,822.4 1,842.2 1,840.6
Disability Awards and Allowances 199.1 200.3 190.4 179.8
Earnings Loss and Supplementary Retirement Benefit 14.9 30.3 33.8 27.9
War Veterans Allowance / Civilian War Allowance 19.6 17.7 16.4 15.2
Veterans Independence Program 295.0 296.3 302.9 305.5
Last Post Fund 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8
Commonwealth War Graves Commission 9.0 8.6 8.6 8.6

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Pensions, and Allowances for Disability and Death
Start Date: September 1, 1919 End Date: Ongoing
Description: Provide pensions for disability or death and economic support in the form of allowances to: members of the Canadian Forces and Merchant Navy Veterans who served in the First World War, the Second World War or the Korean War; certain civilians who are entitled to benefits because of their wartime service; former and serving members of the Canadian Forces (including those who served in Special Duty Areas); survivors and dependants of military and civilian personnel.
Strategic Outcome: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Expected Result: Eligible Veterans and others receive the treatment benefits and services to meet their identified needs.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death; and Financial Support        
Total Grants 1,777.0 1,822.4 1,842.2 1,840.6
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 1,777.0 1,822.4 1,842.2 1,840.6
Planned Audits and Evaluations No.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Disability Awards and Allowances
Start Date: April 1, 2006 End Date: Ongoing
Description: Provide disability awards for disability or death and economic support in the form of allowances to former and serving members of the Canadian Forces, and in some cases to survivors and dependants, for the non-economic effects of a service-related disability, including pain and suffering, functional loss and the effects of permanent impairment on the lives of members, Veterans and their families.
Strategic Outcome: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Expected Result: Eligible Veterans and others receive the treatment benefits and services to meet their identified needs.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death; and Financial Support        
Total Grants 199.1 200.3 190.4 179.8
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 199.1 200.3 190.4 179.8
Planned Audits and Evaluations No.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Earnings Loss and Supplemental Retirement Benefit
Start Date: April 1, 2006 End Date: Ongoing
Description: The Earnings Loss benefit provides temporary income replacement benefits while the Canadian Forces Veteran participates in rehabilitation in preparation for employment in civilian life. Ongoing long-term income replacement benefits are provided to age 65 when the Veteran is unable to engage in any suitable employment due to total and permanent incapacity. At age 65, recipients of long-term income replacement benefits receive a lump-sum retirement benefit to compensate for lost opportunity to contribute to a retirement pension due to a career-ending or service-related disability.
Strategic Outcome: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Expected Result: Eligible Veterans and others receive the treatment benefits and services to meet their identified needs.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death; and Financial Support        
Total Grants 14.9 30.3 33.8 27.9
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 14.9 30.3 33.8 27.9
Planned Audits and Evaluations To be determined.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: War Veterans Allowance/Civilian War Allowance
Start Date: September 1, 1930 End Date: Ongoing
Description: The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) is a form of financial assistance available to eligible Veterans, qualified civilians and their survivors, dependants and orphans. In recognition of war service, qualified persons are provided with regular, monthly income to meet basic needs. WVA is based on income, domestic status and number of dependants. Recipients are paid at a single, married or orphan’s rate. Payments are indexed annually to the CPI. Eligibility for WVA is determined by the wartime service of a Veteran or qualified civilian, age or health, income or residency.
Strategic Outcome: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Expected Result: Eligible Veterans and others receive the treatment benefits and services to meet their identified needs.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Pensions, Awards, Allowances for Disability and Death; and Financial Support        
Total Grants 19.6 17.7 16.4 15.2
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 19.6 17.7 16.4 15.2
Planned Audits and Evaluations To be determined.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Veterans Independence Program
Start Date: 1981 End Date: Ongoing
Description: The Department’s Veterans Independence Program is a national home care program that assists eligible clients to remain independent in their own homes or communities by offering a variety of programs and services, such as housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and personal care.
Strategic Outcome: Eligible Veterans and other clients achieve their optimum level of well-being through programs and services that support their care, treatment, independence, and re-establishment.
Expected Result: Eligible Veterans and others receive the treatment benefits and services to meet their identified needs.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Health Care and Re-establishment Benefits and Services        
Total Grants        
Total Contributions 295.0 296.3 302.9 305.5
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 295.0 296.3 302.9 305.5
Planned Audits and Evaluations To be determined.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Last Post Fund
Start Date: N/A End Date: Ongoing
Description: The Last Post Fund (LPF) is a non-profit corporation which administers funeral, burial, and grave marking services for Veterans Affairs Canada. Canada Remembers provides eligible Veterans and civilians with a dignified funeral and burial through the Last Post Fund.
Strategic Outcome: Canadians remember and demonstrate their recognition of all those who served in Canada’s efforts during war, military conflict and peace.
Expected Result: Canadians who commemorate, understand and value the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in war, military conflict and peace.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Remembrance Programming        
Total Grants 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8
Planned Audits and Evaluations To be determined.

 

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Start Date: N/A End Date: Ongoing
Description: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter in 1917. It’s duties are to mark and maintain the graves of the members of the forces of the Commonwealth who were killed in the two World Wars, to build memorials to those who have no known grave and to keep records and registers of Canadian war dead. Canada Remembers maintains Canadian war graves and cemeteries through a partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Strategic Outcome: Canadians remember and demonstrate their recognition of all those who served in Canada’s efforts during war, miliary conflict and peace.
Expected Result: Canadians who commemorate, understand and value the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in war, military conflict and peace.
($ millions) Forecast Spending 2006-2007 Planned spending 2007-2008 Planned spending 2008-2009 Planned Spending 2009-2010
Remembrance Programming        
Total Grants 9.0 8.6 8.6 8.6
Total Contributions        
Total Other Transfer Payments        
Total PA 9.0 8.6 8.6 8.6
Planned Audits and Evaluations To be determined.

For further information on the above-mentioned Transfer Payments Programs, visit:http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20072008/p3a-eng.asp.

Table 10: Sustainable Development Strategy

VAC will continue to do its part to implement concrete and positive change by being environmentally responsible and advancing sustainable development. Tabled in December 2006, its fourth Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) sets out the Department's commitment to operating responsibly and to reducing our impact on the environment. In this, VAC focussed its energies on where VAC can make a difference. This document is focussed with fewer commitments than previous strategies. VAC's commitments are more manageable and realistic in the areas of federal governance, greenhouse gas emissions, green stewardship, quality of life, regulatory compliance, and waste and water management. These areas are important as VAC tries to implement environmental responsibility in its day to day operations and support progress in achieving the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals.

To ensure success, VAC has also developed a Performance Measurement Management Framework document for information and monitoring purposes.

SDS Departmental Goal
Federal Sustainable Development Goal including Greening Government Operations goals (if applicable) Performance Measure March 31 2007/08
1. Federal Governance: 100% of materiel managers and procurement personnel take green procurement training by 2010.
Clear and effective governance mechanisms to integrate sustainable development in decision-making. Report annually on the percentage of materiel managers and procurement community trained. 5%
2. Federal Governance: Quantity of green products purchased is increased by 15% by 2009.
Clear and effective governance mechanisms to integrate sustainable development in decision-making.
  1. Report annually on the dollar value spent; and number of contracts issued against this procurement target.
  2. Identify associated environmental outcomes.
5%
3. Federal Governance: Conduct an analysis of paper usage and implement strategies to reduce paper usage.
Clear and effective governance mechanisms to integrate sustainable development in decision-making. Decrease in quantity of paper purchased. 10%
4. Federal Governance: Conduct an analysis of printer/photocopier inventory and implement strategies to pool resources and explore use of multi-functional equipment.
Clear and effective governance mechanisms to integrate sustainable development in decision-making. Report annually on reduced number of non-duplex printers and photocopiers. 5%
5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Reduce emissions per vehicle kilometre from Veterans Affairs' fleet by 2010 by 15% from 2002-2003 levels.
Emissions are reduced. Annual average GHG emissions per vehicle kilometre. 5%
6. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: All gasoline purchased for federal road vehicles will be ethanol-blended, where available.
Emissions are reduced. Percentage of litres of gasoline purchased for federal road vehicles that is ethanol-blended. 3.2%
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Conduct an analysis of vehicle (fleet, personal, rental) usage by staff and implement strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
Emissions are reduced. Analysis has been conducted and next steps have been identified.  
8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: In support of the overall FHIO target of 31%, reduce GHG emissions by 2010 at Ste. Anne's
Emissions are reduced. Report annually the percent reduction in GHG emissions at Ste. Anne's Hospital. 20%
9. Green Stewardship: Raise awareness on sustainable development issues and solutions through communication to all staff.
Staff are aware of the importance of sustainable development. Number of communications delivered to staff. 24
10. Quality of Life: A high percentage of all Client Service Teams to have undergone certification through Veterans Affairs Canada's National Certification Program by 2010.
Service delivery is aligned with departmental principles and practices that promote integrated, consistent, exemplary and client-centred service to clients and their families. Report annually on the percentage of Client Service Teams (CSTs) that have undergone certification. 17%
11. Quality of Life: Based on applied research evidence, implement continuing care strategies to improve supportive services for Veterans, seniors, and their families.
Informed decisions on continuing care policies with goal of improving supportive services to Veterans, seniors and their families, as well as contributing to national policy making on continuing care issues. Report annually on decisions made as a result of continuing care studies.  
12. Regulatory Compliance: Comply with applicable Federal environmental regulatory obligations at Ste. Anne's Hospital.
Compliance with federal standards which support a healthier ecosystem. Increase compliance with environmental regulatory clauses. 100%
13. Waste Management: Increase amount of waste recycled by 15% at Ste. Anne's Hospital by 2009.
Waste is reduced. Decrease in tons of waste produced. 5%
14. Water: Reduce water consumption per square foot by 5% by 2009 at Ste. Anne's Hospital.
Water efficiency and sustainable water use is improved. Decrease in litres of water consumed. 1%

Table 11: Internal Audits and Evaluations

Veterans Affairs Canada develops its annual audit and evaluation plan using a risk-based approach. This plan is approved by an Audit and Evaluation Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister. The intent of the audit and evaluation plan is to ensure that the projects are clearly aligned with VAC's Five-Year Strategic Plan, Program Activity Architecture and Management Accountability Framework. The Department undertakes audit and evaluation projects that are deemed the highest risk. To focus attention on those areas, where use of the available resources would best achieve the objectives of audit and evaluation, the following criteria are considered during project selection: materiality; likelihood; complexity; and, sensitivity/reputation. During the ranking of the proposed engagements, consultations are held with senior managers, program managers and audit and evaluation staff. Findings and recommendations of previous audits, evaluations and reviews, as well as the extent of follow-up and corrective action taken by management are also used to assess potential projects. Audit schedules are compared with those of the Office of the Auditor General and Veterans Affairs' Sustainable Development Strategy in order to prevent overlapping visits and undue interference with operations. Consultation with partners is conducted on an ongoing basis.

The long range plan attempts to provide some balance, so that a variety of functions, activities and organizational entities are covered annually through cyclical projects (e.g. Financial Management and Control, Residential Care, and Organizational Governance). Follow-up to findings also contribute to current and future year planning. The plan has some flexibility to allow for requests from management for special studies demanded by unforeseeable circumstances, from central agencies for the Transfer Policy requirements, and for follow-up reviews on the actions taken on recommendations.

Audit and Evaluation Commitments

Name of Internal Audit/Evaluation Type Transfer Payment Policy (Yes) Status Expected Completion Date
2006-2007
This is work approved for 2006-2007 currently underway but will likely be released in 2007-2008
Administered Accounts Phase II Assurance Audit In progress March 31, 2007
Residential Care - Phase II Atlantic Region Audit/Evaluation In progress April 30, 2007
Organizational Governance (cyclical) - Phase II (Western Region and Veterans Review and Appeal Board) Audit/Evaluation In progress March 31, 2007
Financial Management and Controls (cyclical) - Phase II Assurance Audit In progress March 31, 2007
IT Security (MITs) Assurance Audit In progress March 31, 2007
Contracting Assurance Audit In progress June 30, 2007
Post Payment Verification Assurance Audit In progress May 31, 2007
2007-2008
Conflict of Interest Audit Planned September 30, 2007
FHCPS Adjudication Process Assurance Audit Planned December 31, 2007
FHCPS - POC Analysis Assurance Audit Planned December 31, 2007
Equipment Recycling Program Assurance Audit Planned October 31, 2007
Business Continuity Planning Assurance Audit Planned September 30, 2007
Follow-up of the Audit of Outsourcing of Health Claims Administration Audit Planned March 31, 2008
Management of Medications at Ste. Anne's Hospital Assurance Audit Planned March 31, 2008
Ste. Anne's Hospital - Capital Renovation Project Assurance Audit Planned Ongoing
FHCPS - Special Authorization Units and Treatment Authorization Centres Audit/Evaluation Planned June 30, 2008
Operational Stress Injury Clinics Audit/Evaluation Planned September 30, 2007
Review Redress for the Re-establishment Program of the New Veterans Charter Evaluation TPP Yes Planned February 29, 2008
Funeral and Burial Program (Last Post Fund) Evaluation TPP Yes Planned September 30, 2008
War Veterans Allowance Evaluation TPP Yes Planned September 30, 2008
Canada -Remembers Program (date to be determined) deferred at March 21, 2006 meeting - pending TBS decision Evaluation TPP Yes Planned July 31, 2007
2008-2009
Service and Program Modernization (The New Veterans Charter) - Formative Evaluation Evaluation TPP Yes Planned To be determined
Human Resources Division (cyclical) - Pay Audit Assurance Audit Planned To be determined
Memorandum of Understanding between Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency Audit Planned To be determined
Electronic Link to Report: Reports are not completed yet. Will be posted to Web site when Completed.
Electronic Link to Internal Audit and Evaluation Plan: To be reviewed and revised end of March 2007.

Order of priority to be set by the Audit and Evaluation Committee and can change due to risk-based planning or change in priorities.

Our Multi -Year Audit and Evaluation Plan is currently under review and should be finalized by March 31, 2007. There may be some changes to the scheduled activities in the updated plan.