Question Period Note: DANIEL J. MACDONALD BUILDING MODERNIZATION

DANIEL J. MACDONALD BUILDING MODERNIZATION

• The Daniel J. MacDonald Building is located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and serves as the national headquarters for Veterans Affairs Canada.

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

• The modernization will include new initiatives to support the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

• PSPC will be responsible for the majority of the costs for the modernization.

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

• Construction is expected to begin in 2022 with completion planned for 2026.

BACKGROUND – DANIEL J MACDONALD BUILDING MODERNIZATION

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 and investment analysis by Public Services and Procurement Canada, which owns the building, it has been determined that the cost of modernizing the building was better value for the Crown than to build a new facility. As a result, the building will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation in the coming years. 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 last from 2022 through 2026. VAC’s employees will not work in the building during the renovation. Keeping the building empty of employees eliminates construction-related disruptions to operations, and any health and safety risks to our staff. In addition to leveraging the ability to work remotely from their homes, the Department’s Charlottetown staff will have options to use workspaces throughout VAC’s 7 other buildings in the Charlottetown area as well as in the additional temporary space which will be leased in the Charlottetown area for the duration of the project.

As VAC prepares for the closure of the DJM, the spaces in our other buildings will be converted to align with Government of Canada plans for a more modern workplace (i.e. GCworkplace), which will provide the most flexibility for our employees and optimizes efficient use of our facilities.

The modernization project will provide economic and job opportunities across many business sectors in the region. The work will include new initiatives to support the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

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.

The Government of Canada has made it a priority to improve benefits and services for our nation’s Veterans and their families. The Department will continue to pay benefits to any Veteran who is entitled. Over 90% of the Department’s budget represents payments to Veterans, their families and other program recipients.

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