The Career Transition Services (CTS) Program evaluation was conducted in accordance with Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) approved Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2012-17. The Terms and Conditions of CTS were valid until March 31, 2016. The Career Transition Services Program was established in 2006 under the authority of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act. Policies and practices have been modified over the years but its essential mission has remained unchanged; i.e., to provide eligible Veterans and survivors with practical help finding a job as they transition from military to civilian life. CTS reimburses costs for services such as career counselling, job-search training and job-finding assistance for eligible Veterans and survivors to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 (including tax). The current program design differs from that originally established in 2006 with respect to eligibility, dollar limits and service providers. The evaluation examined the relevance and performance of the Career Transition Services Program, and was conducted in accordance with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) policy requirements and related TBS guidance. The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.

In the approved 2008-2011 Audit and Evaluation Plan, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) identified the Residential Care Program at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building (CHVMB) for audit. The Chief Audit Executive of VAC engaged Audit Services Canada (ASC) to plan and conduct the audit. CHVMB is a part of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre under the Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) of the Province of Nova Scotia. It is the largest Veterans facility in the Atlantic Region providing, under contract with VAC, long-term beds on a priority access basis to eligible Veterans under VACs Residential Care Program. This audit focused on VACs controls to manage CDHAs delivery of the Residential Care Program at CHVMB.

The Veterans Affairs Canada Health Care Benefits Program provides eligible Veterans and other qualified individuals with benefits and services, such as medical, surgical and dental care, prosthetic devices and home adaptations, through 14 Programs of Choice. Program of Choice 13 – Special Equipment – includes any device or aid which is designed to enable the user to cope with the effects of a disease, disorder or injury, by facilitating medical stabilization, assisting in the performance of activities of daily living and restoring their function. Examples include emergency call devices, wheelchairs, walkers, power mobility devices, transfer/lift devices, and ergonomic equipment. The objective of this audit was to assess Veterans Affairs Canada’s management control framework and compliance with applicable policies and processes. The scope covered April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013.

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.

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.

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.

This report presents the findings of the evaluation of the Partnerships Contribution Program (PCP), which covers the period between April 2008 and March 2011. This evaluation meets the Treasury Board Secretariat's requirement for evaluation coverage of all ongoing programs of grants and contributions. An evaluation of the PCP is also required as part of the renewal of the Terms and Conditions. The PCP provides a means through which Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) can extend its reach in delivering its mandate regarding commemorative activities. The program provides non-repayable contributions to a range of potential recipients, such as non-profit organizations, museums, educational institutions, provinces, territories and municipalities. There are two funding opportunities available under the PCP: * the Community Engagement Partnership Fund (CEPF) provides eligible organizations and groups with financial assistance to deliver remembrance activities and events regionally and nationally; and * the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program (CMRP) provides eligible organizations and groups with financial assistance to properly conserve cenotaphs and monuments honouring Canada's war dead and Veterans.

Vocational Rehabilitation: All Veterans who participated in various stages of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program were included. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provides Vocational Rehabilitation/employment services.

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.