Question Period Note: Status of the Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

Public Services and Procurement Canada is implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan – a multi-decade strategy to restore and modernize the Parliamentary Precinct. The core of the Parliamentary Precinct includes the grounds and buildings on Parliament Hill and the three city blocks directly facing it.

The Department is also supporting Crown-Indigenous Relations to develop a national space for Indigenous Peoples within the Parliamentary Precinct. The project includes the re-development of the former US Embassy (located at 100 Wellington Street), the CIBC building (located at 119 Sparks Street) and an infill space between the two buildings.

Note: Questions related to the Indigenous Peoples’ Space (100 Wellington) should be directed to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations as the overall lead for the Indigenous Peoples’ Space.

• Public Services and Procurement Canada is restoring the Parliamentary Precinct for future generations of Canadians, and making it modern, safer, greener and more accessible
  • We are working with each House of Parliament to ensure that their parliamentary requirements are being met
  • Work is progressing to restore and modernize the Centre Block, the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project in Canada’s history
  • In addition, in partnership with Parliament, Public Services and Procurement Canada successfully completed an architectural design competition for the redevelopment of Block 2, the urban block directly opposite the Centre Block

If pressed on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program:

• The Auditor General recently tabled the performance audit on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program and I am encouraged by the positive observations made by the Auditor General on the management of this project, which continues to advance within estimated costs and schedule
• The Auditor’s recommendations provide an opportunity to further improve decision-making, and the overall delivery of not just the Centre Block, but the Long Term Vision and Plan as a whole, and I intend to act on them within the year
• Significant progress is being made on the project and it remains on track. The design concept for the Centre Block and Parliament Welcome Centre has been finalized and major construction activities are underway, such as excavation, demolition and abatement, and masonry rehabilitation
• In addition to providing enhanced functionality to Parliament, the restored and modernized Centre Block and the new Parliament Welcome Centre will offer an accessible path of travel from the Centennial Flame to the Chamber galleries, as well as provide modern building infrastructure to better meet the needs of a broader spectrum of human conditions
• This project will also transform the Centre Block to net zero carbon emissions from one of the worst performing facilities in the Public Services and Procurement Canada portfolio to carbon neutral

If pressed on the redevelopment of Block 2:

• The redevelopment of Block 2, directly facing Centre Block, will transform a mix of functionally obsolete buildings into an innovative complex to meet the needs of a 21st century Parliament
• The design contract was awarded to the winner of the Block 2 Design Competition, Zeidler Architecture, in early May 2023. The winning design concept that was selected by an independent jury respects the heritage elements of the buildings while providing modern, sustainable and accessible accommodations for Parliament
• Next steps include establishing detailed functional requirements with Parliament to create a baseline project budget and begin construction.

If pressed on the creation and costs of the Parliamentary tunnel network:

• In June 2022, Parliament approved a concept for an underground tunnel network that would connect buildings of the Parliamentary Precinct and ensure the safe and efficient movement of parliamentarians and materials in support of Parliamentary operations
• The tunnel network is intended to be built in phases. A portion of the tunnel infrastructure was completed during the West Block and Visitor Welcome Centre Phase 1 construction. The remaining portion of the loop will integrate the Centre, East and West Blocks via the new Parliament Welcome Centre. The loop will also connect to parliamentary accommodations on the south side of Wellington Street
• Planning is still under development and will inform cost estimates and schedule. Public Services and Procurement Canada continues to work with Parliament to ensure that the project can be completed in a way that enhances the security of the Parliamentary Precinct, while remaining cost effective

If pressed on Parliamentary engagement, governance and key decisions:

• Public Services and Procurement Canada works hand in hand with Parliament to plan and deliver the Long Term Vision and Plan
• As part of this collaborative process, each House of Parliament establishes project requirements and priorities to support their parliamentary operations
• My mandate is to work with each House of Parliament to ensure that parliamentary requirements are being met in a manner that preserves our heritage and ensures value for money
• Public Services and Procurement Canada continues to work collaboratively with Partners to meet their needs in a cost-efficient manner that respects our heritage buildings

If pressed on the Indigenous Peoples Space (100 Wellington & 119 Sparks):

• Public Services and Procurement Canada continues to support Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Algonquin Nation and the National Indigenous Organizations in developing a national space for Indigenous Peoples’ in the Parliamentary Precinct
• As the overall lead for the Indigenous Peoples’ Space, Crown-Indigenous Relations is best positioned to answer questions on the status of the agreement with the Anishinabeg Algonquin Nation Tribal Council for a dedicated space for the Algonquin people
• As the lead on the redevelopment of Block 2, which has the Indigenous Peoples Space at its very heart, Public Services and Procurement Canada will ensure that the design and construction of the entire Block honours and respects the significance of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation and their contributions

If pressed on Indigenous involvement in the Precinct broadly:

• Public Services and Procurement Canada is working collaboratively with the Algonquin Nation, Indigenous-led organizations, and other communities to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are involved in the re-building of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct
• This collaboration includes skills development, apprenticeship and economic opportunities, including an Archaeological Field School to train community members in preserving and managing archaeological findings and agreements with Indigenous business and stakeholders aimed at dedicating five percent of procurements to Indigenous businesses
• Public Services and Procurement Canada is also working with Indigenous Partners to receive input on the proposed architecture and design for the Parliament Welcome Centre and to begin engagement on the redevelopment and expanded Parliamentary Precinct campus through visioning sessions

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