Question Period Note: DANIEL J MACDONALD BUILDING MODERNIZATION

• The costs for the building modernization will have no impact on Veterans’ benefits.

• Currently, almost all of Veterans Affairs Canada’s budget flows directly to our clients, while the small amount remaining is used to support departmental operations.

• The Daniel J. MacDonald Building is located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and serves as the national headquarters for Veterans Affairs Canada. It was built in 1984 and is owned by Public Services and Procurement Canada.

• Analysis by Public Services and Procurement Canada has determined that the building mechanical, electrical, ventilation and security systems require replacement and the cost of modernizing was better value for the Crown.

• Public Services and Procurement Canada will be responsible for the majority of the costs for the modernization.

BACKGROUND – DANIEL J MACDONALD BUILDING MODERNIZATION

The Daniel J. MacDonald Building is the national headquarters for Veterans Affairs Canada and will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation in the coming years.

The Daniel J. MacDonald building, located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, serves as the national headquarters for Veterans Affairs Canada. The Daniel J. MacDonald building was completed in 1984 and many of the building’s mechanical systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Electrical) are nearing their end of lifecycle. Following a recent investment analysis by Public Services and Procurement Canada, who owns the building, it was determined that the cost of modernizing the building was far better value for the Crown than to build a new facility. Public Services and Procurement Canada will be responsible for the majority of the costs for the modernization.

Design work for the building renewal began in January 2018 with construction expected to start in winter 2021. The target date for completion is spring 2025. The modernization project will provide economic and job opportunities across many business sectors in the region. It will include new initiatives to support the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

When completed, the Daniel J. MacDonald will be able to accommodate 900 employees, which is double the capacity from when the building first opened in 1984. This project demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to continuing operations of Veterans Affairs Canada’s national headquarters in Charlottetown, and also ensures that Veterans Affairs Canada staff are able to provide important services and programs to Veterans and their families, in a safe and healthy facility.

Veterans Affairs Canada will continue to pay benefits to any Veteran who is entitled to that benefit, whether ten Veterans come forward or ten thousand. Approximately 93% of the Veterans Affairs Canada’s budget flows directly to those we serve, while the remaining 7% is used to support departmental operations and corporate functions.

The Government of Canada has made it a priority to improve benefits and services for our nation’s Veterans and their families. Canadians should feel confident that when they sign up to serve and protect our country that the government and people of Canada support them.

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