AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of Disability Benefits - August 2015

The evaluation of the Disability Benefits program was conducted in accordance with the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2014–19. 

The objective of the Disability Benefits program is to compensate Veterans/members and other individuals in recognition of the effects of service-related disabilities, death or incarceration/evasion/escape. 

The Disability Benefits program consists of both the Disability Pension and the Disability Award. The Pension Act of 1919 provides the framework for the Disability Pension (DP) which is a tax-free monthly payment, with the amount of the payment based on the extent of the Veteran's diagnosed medical disability related to their service. The Disability Award (DA), established in 2006 as part of the New Veterans Charter (NVC), provides injured members and Veterans with a tax-free cash award for an injury or illness resulting from military service. The amount of the award will depend on the severity of the disability. The Disability Benefits program provides a gateway to other VAC programs, services and benefits.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Audit of Remissions - April 2012

An overpayment occurs when benefits are paid to a beneficiary who has no entitlement or when benefits have been paid in excess of entitlement. Once an overpayment has been detected, Finance Division can collect, write-off, forgive or remit the overpayment. A remission is the cancellation of or release from an otherwise enforceable debt, tax, fee or penalty. A remission may occur under the following circumstances:

  * the overpayment cannot be recovered within the reasonably foreseeable future;

  * the administrative costs of recovering the overpayment are likely to equal or exceed the amount to be recovered;

  * the repayment of the overpayment would cause undue hardship to the person or a beneficiary; or

  * the overpayment is the result of an administrative error, a delay or an oversight on the part of an officer or employee of the federal public administration.

The purpose of this audit was to provide assurance that Veterans Affairs Canada’s current process for remissions is in compliance with Treasury Board policy. In addition to interviews, walkthroughs and documentation review a random sample of 50% of the remissions processed were examined. The scope of this audit covered all remissions reported in the 2010/2011 Public Accounts. 

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of Disability Pensions and Awards - August 2010

The evaluation of Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) Disability Pension and Disability Award Programs originated in the requirement to support the renewal of the Terms and Conditions of the Disability Award Program by March 2011. The Disability Award Program is part of the New Veterans Charter (NVC) suite of programs introduced in 2006 in order to meet the needs of a shifting client demographic. The NVC represents the most sweeping changes to Veterans’ benefits and services in the past 60 years.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Audit of Earnings Loss - May 2013

The Earnings Loss benefit is one of the supports available through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Financial Benefits Program. Earnings Loss is payable in recognition of the economic impact a military career-ending or service-related disability may have on the Veteran’s ability to earn income following release from the Canadian Armed Forces. This income replacement ensures that the eligible Veteran's income does not fall below 75% of their gross pre-release military salary. The guaranteed minimum rate for fiscal year 2012-2013 was $41,598. This guaranteed minimum rate is adjusted based on increases to the basic corporal’s salary.

The purpose of the audit was to provide assurance that the program and financial controls were working as intended to deliver results in accordance with related authorities. In addition, the Earnings Loss benefit has not been subject to an audit since the inception of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act in 2005. 

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Premature and potentially avoidable mortality, Canada, provinces and territories, inactive

Number of premature and potentially avoidable deaths and premature and potentially avoidable age-standardized mortality rate, by sex, on an annual basis. Premature deaths are those of individuals who are younger than age 75. Avoidable mortality is defined as "untimely deaths that should not occur in the presence of timely and effective health care, including prevention". These data are available at the Canada, Province or territory level.<br>

Organization: Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)-Service Canada Partnership - December 2015

In 2012, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Service Canada entered into a Partnership whereby Service Canada would use their web, in-person and telephone services to provide general information on VAC’s benefits and services to individuals who visit Service Canada’s website, visit a Service Canada Centre or call VAC’s toll-free line. In addition, Service Canada would accept and review applications for the Disability Benefits Program and the Veterans Independence Program (VIP). The intention of the Partnership was that Veterans would have broader access to VAC’s services on the web, in-person and on the phone. By having Service Canada answer general inquiries on VAC’s behalf, it was expected that VAC would be able to re-focus their resources on more complex cases. The Partnership was also intended to increase points of access for VAC Services, particularly for residents in rural and remote areas. In addition, Service Canada would use their expertise and experience with all Government of Canada programs and bundle VAC’s information with a broader array of related Government of Canada programs and services. 

In February 2014 the Partnership was expanded to include employee hosting services, whereby Service Canada would provide office and meeting space for a VAC representative to be co-located in the Service Canada Centre closest to each of the VAC area offices that were closing.

As part of the approval of the Partnership, an evaluation was required which would assess whether applicable service standards for Veterans had improved, whether resources were effectively refocused on improving case management and if efficiencies had materialized that could provide longer term operational savings without reducing the level of service to Veterans. The evaluation would also determine if there was compliance with the documented agreement between VAC and Service Canada, and identify any areas for improvement.

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of the War Veterans Allowance Program - March 2014

The War Veterans Allowance (WVA) Program, which began in 1930, provides monthly financial support to low-income war service Veterans and civilians (e.g., Overseas Welfare Workers, Auxiliary Services Personnel) or their survivors/dependents to help them meet their basic needs.

This evaluation was conducted in accordance with Section 42.1 of the *Financial Administration Act* which requires that every federal department conducts a review of the relevance and effectiveness of each ongoing program of grants and contributions programs every five years. 

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
2017-2020 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The modern concept of sustainable development is derived mostly from the 1987 Brundtland Report, which defines Sustainable Development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainable Development is a key priority for the Government of Canada, which can only be achieved with robust engagement at all stages of policy and practice and at all levels of government – federal, provincial/territorial and municipal. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) identifies the Government of Canada’s sustainable development planning and reporting commitments. The FSDS fulfils the requirement of the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to develop and table every three years a federal strategy that makes environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament.

To support the core principle that effective sustainable development results from a coordinated approach across the government, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is committed to the FSDS and is doing its part to support Canada’s vision for sustainable development. As required by the FSDA, every three years VAC prepares its own Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This strategy describes the Department’s contributions to the FSDS, including a sustainable development vision for VAC including departmental decision-making.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of Commemorative Benefits and Services - March 2017

The Evaluation of Commemorative Benefits and Services was conducted in accordance with Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) approved Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2012-17 and with the directive and standards specified in Treasury Board of Canada’s 2009 Policy on Evaluation.

The evaluation covered three programs: Funeral and Burial, Cemetery and Grave Maintenance, and Honours and Awards. While the programs have differing objectives, they are all intended to reaffirm Canada's commitment to remember the sacrifices of the fallen, the Veterans, those who served our country on the home front, and those who served and will continue to serve our nation in the cause of peace throughout the world. 

The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence. 


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of the Community War Memorial Program - February 2015

The evaluation of the Community War Memorial Program (CWMP) was conducted to address the requirement for full evaluation coverage, as per the *Financial Administration Act* and Treasury Board's 2009 Directive on the Evaluation Function. An evaluation of the CWMP was also required prior to its specified end date of March 31, 2015 to inform future decision-making on this program, or similar programs within the Government of Canada. 

The purpose of the Program is to provide a method through which VAC can extend its reach in delivering its mandate regarding commemorative activities. The Program provides non-repayable contributions of up to 50% of the total project costs associated with building a new cenotaph/monument or a major addition to an existing one to a maximum of $50,000 per project. The Program provides funding to various recipients including registered charitable organizations, provinces, territories and municipalities. Funds are reimbursed for eligible capital costs incurred, based on valid receipts. Delivery is in the form of a contribution payment and therefore requires a written funding agreement between VAC and the recipient. 

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Responsibility Centre Phase II Audit - April 2011

Veterans Affairs Canada has 60 points of service or responsibility centres, including regional and district offices that provide a wide range of services and programs.  District offices provide direct service for programs, with regional offices providing functional direction and oversight.  The three largest points of direct service are the Quebec, Halifax and Edmonton district offices which combined serve almost one-third of participants in the Rehabilitation Program.  All three District Offices have approximately three client service teams and a varied mix of program participants.

This audit was the second of two phases and was developed at the request of senior management to assess the internal controls surrounding the delegated authorities, the adequacy of the management control framework and to identify opportunities to improve efficiency.  The first phase of the cyclical audit which was completed October 2010, focussed on operations in the Quebec District Office.  This site was chosen because new delegated authorities were being piloted there.  The audit team used the results from the Quebec audit to focus and inform the planning for the second phase, which focussed on operations in the Halifax and Edmonton district offices.  


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of the Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) - Ste. Anne's Hospital - October 2011

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess both the relevancy and performance of the Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries (RTCOSI - hereinafter referred to as the RTC) at Ste. Anne's Hospital. The recent commencement of the RTC's operation in February 2010, has limited the assessment of performance to the immediate outcome of program reach. 

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) defines an operational stress injury (OSI) as any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties performed while serving in the Canadian military or executing duties serving as a member of the RCMP. Psychological difficulties may include, for example, a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, alcohol/substance abuse, chronic pain, or various anxiety disorders.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation of the Intermediate and Long Term Care Programs - January 2014

This evaluation of the Intermediate and Long Term Care Programs was conducted in accordance with the approved Veterans Affairs Canada Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2012-2017. 
The Veterans Independence Program Intermediate Care (VIP IC) Program and the Long Term Care (LTC) Program, hereinafter referred to as "the Programs", support eligible Veterans and other individuals who require facility-based long term care. There are two types of beds under the Programs: community beds and contract beds. Community beds are beds in a facility operated by health authorities, private and not-for-profit sectors. Contract beds are beds that are set aside in a community facility pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the facility and VAC. Eligibility for these bed types varies. Community beds fall under both the VIP IC Program and the LTC Program, while Contract beds fall solely under the mandate of the LTC Program.

The evaluation examined the relevance and performance of the Programs, and was conducted in accordance with Treasury Board policy requirements and guidance material. The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Summary of “Closing the gender gap: identifying women’s exporting success using firm-level data for Canada”, a presentation at the WTO World Trade Congress on Gender

Canada’s inclusive approach to trade recognizes that trade is not gender neutral. Because women and men—both as entrepreneurs or workers—are not equally represented in all sectors of the economy, international trade has different effects on sectors and therefore on gender. Understanding these different gender impacts of trade is paramount in guiding policy decisions aimed at creating opportunities for all groups of the society to benefit from trade.

Organization: Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada
Maps of reporting facilities – disposals and transfers

The National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) is Canada's public inventory of pollutant releases (to air, water and land), disposals and transfers for recycling.  
  
  The files below contain a map of Canada showing the locations of all facilities that reported disposals and transfers to the NPRI in the most recent reporting year, by reported total quantities.   
  
  The map is available in both ESRI REST (to use with ARC GIS) and WMS (open source) formats. For more information about the individual reporting facilities, a dataset is available in an csv format.  
  
  Please consult the following resources to enhance your analysis:  
  
  - Guide on using and Interpreting NPRI Data: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/national-pollutant-release-inventory/using-interpreting-data.html   
  
  - Access additional data from the NPRI, including datasets and mapping products: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/national-pollutant-release-inventory/tools-resources-data/exploredata.html

Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada | Environnement et Changement climatique Canada
Underwater Archaeological Survey of HMS Terror and Excavation of HMS Erebus in 2019

This report presents the results of archaeological research undertaken by Parks Canada’s Underwater Archaeology Team (UAT) in 2019 at the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The main archaeological objectives for 2019 were to continue the non-intrusive evaluation of the Terror site, mostly using a micro-remotely operated vehicle. For Erebus, the goals were to initiate test excavation of specific areas of the lower deck, meanwhile exploring other undocumented spaces deeper inside the hull. Mainly on account of exceptionally good weather conditions, most of the 2019 objectives were successfully completed.

Organization: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Annual Report on the Administration of the Privacy Act

The *Privacy Act* provides members of the public with the legislated right to access and request the correction of their personal information under the control of federal government institutions. The *Act* also imposes strict obligations related to the collection, accuracy, use, disclosure, retention and disposition of personal information.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) take very seriously the responsibility to protect the privacy and rights of all Veterans and their families.

These annual reports on the administration of the *Privacy Act* outline how VAC and the OVO fulfilled their responsibilities under the *Privacy Act* during each fiscal year beginning April 1 and ending March 31.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Memorials and Cemetery/Grave Maintenance Program Evaluation - February 2013

In accordance with the Veterans Affairs Canada Evaluation Plan (2011-2016) approved by the Departmental Evaluation Committee, the Audit and Evaluation Division was tasked with conducting the evaluation of the Memorials and Cemetery/Grave Maintenance Program.

The Memorials and Cemetery/Grave Maintenance Program preserves the memory of deceased Canadians who served their country during war and peace by maintaining symbols of remembrance in perpetuity. This includes responsibility for the 14 memorials to the First and Second World Wars in Europe, the graves of Canadian war dead all over the world, the graves of Veterans and some others buried at the expense of Canada located throughout the world, and two departmental Veterans’ cemeteries in Canada. Two unique memorials to those who died in service to Canada, the Books of Remembrance and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (CVWM) are also maintained through this program.

The evaluation examined the relevance, effectiveness/success, efficiency and economy of the program, and was conducted in accordance with Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) requirements and guidance materiel.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Long Term Care Community Facilities Audit - February 2012

The Long Term Care Program works in cooperation with provinces/territories, health authorities and long term care facilities to financially support eligible Veterans in an appropriate long term care setting. Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding for qualified Veterans who occupy a contract bed or those in a community bed. As of March 31, 2011, there were 9,376 recipients of funding support from Veterans Affairs Canada in non-departmental institutions across Canada. 2,782 recipients were in contract beds and 6,594 were in community beds. These numbers are forecasted to decline between 2012 and 2020 when there will be a decline in demand for Long Term Care. Forecasts estimate that there will be 5,780 Veterans in long term care in five years (2016-2017).

The purpose of this audit was to provide assurance that the management control framework governing the Long Term Care Program is effective and the internal controls surrounding the program are adequate and functioning well. The scope included Long Term Care recipients in community beds and contract beds governed by a Memorandum of Understanding with provincial health authorities, from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Health Related Travel Audit - January 2010

The audit of health related travel began in May 2009. The objectives of the audit were to assess compliance with governing regulations and policy; to assess the adequacy and accuracy of management information; and, to assess the control framework and test controls and verification processes.

The scope of the audit included all aspects of processing health related travel claims, including remuneration of an escort, to ensure that control frameworks are in place, the process complies with governing authorities and required management reporting is accessible and useful. 


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Drug Formulary

All pharmaceutical products fall into one of three categories. They are:

**Standard Benefits**

These benefits include many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, plus medical devices, that are considered by VAC to represent "mainstay" therapies. About 80% of all drug benefits fall into this category and most bear a Drug Identification Number (DIN) assigned by Health Canada. All products on this formulary are readily accessible to eligible clients who have a prescription from their physician or dentist.

**Special Authorization (SA) Benefits**

These benefits provide eligible clients with higher level or higher cost therapies approved by VAC as part of a managed health care approach. To access benefits on this formulary, clients will need a prescription and must be able to demonstrate a medical need that is most appropriately met with the requested therapy.

**Non-formulary Products**

VAC may approve these items on an exceptional basis provided the client has a medical need and can clearly demonstrate that the product offers specific and necessary therapeutic value in the most reasonable and medically appropriate fashion.


Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada Departmental Results Report

Our Departmental Results Report is tabled in Parliament in the fall of each year. This report provides Parliamentarians and Canadians with information on the Portfolio's performance over the last fiscal year, based on commitments made in our previous Departmental Reports. Also included are financial tables showing actual resources used during the last fiscal year. The Departmental Results Report is formerly known as the Departmental Performance Report. Archived reports can be found here: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/cbcb3222-4729-4b96-9628-48578ecafc7e

Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada | Anciens Combattants Canada