2025-2026 Departmental Plan 

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From the Minister

The arts, culture, heritage and broadcasting sectors play an important role in our lives. They offer us a range of experiences, promote conversation, strengthen our social fabric and shape our collective identity. Canadian Heritage Portfolio organizations, including the National Battlefields Commission (NBC), work tirelessly to support the growth of these sectors. Over the coming year, they will fulfill their respective mandates in an ever-changing world, where technology continues to multiply challenges and opportunities.

Established in 1908, Battlefields Park is Canada's very first historic park. It is managed by the NBC, which is committed to highlighting the unique heritage of this area in the heart of Quebec City and making it a must-see site for locals and visitors. The NBC's mission is to ensure the site is inspiring and accessible to everyone. To preserve the built heritage under its responsibility, in spring 2025, it plans to carry out major repairs to the roof of the Plains of Abraham Museum, as well as the greenhouse in the heart of the park. It will also see to the completion of restoration work on the Monument des Braves.

As Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, I invite you to read the National Battlefields Commission's 2025-26 Departmental Plan for an overview of its activities over the coming year.

Headshot of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, P.C., M.P.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, P.C., M.P.

Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibility 1: Conservation

Description

Ensure the conservation and protection of the natural, cultural and heritage assets of the National Battlefields Park through the maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and infrastructure. Ensure safe public access to the Park.

Quality of life impacts

Area Indicator Targeted part of essential responsibility
Health Physical activity Land and infrastructure rehabilitation
Society Sense of pride/belonging to Canada
Participation in cultural or religious practices, recreation or sport
Sense of belonging to a local community
Accessible environments
Environment Air quality Conservation and protection of natural assets
Satisfaction with local environment Restoration of land and infrastructure
Walkable neighborhoods
Greenhouse gas emissions Conservation and protection of natural assets
Good gouvernance Personal safety Ensuring safe access to the park

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for the Conservation. Details are presented by departmental result.

Table 1: provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under the Conservation.
Departmental Result Indicators Actual results Target Date to achieve target
Percentage of visitors that are ‘’satisfied’’ with the park’s condition
  • 2021-22: Not available*
  • 2022-23: Not available*
  • 2023-24: Not available*
80 % March 31, 2026
Percentage of visitors who say they feel safe in the Park
  • 2021-22: Not available*
  • 2022-23: Not available*
  • 2023-24: Not available*
80 % March 31, 2026

*The actual result is not available as no data has been collected.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for the NBC’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for the Conservation in 2025-26.

Battlefields Park is a safe, well-maintained site.

The NBC will carry out the maintenance projects required by its vast territory. Among other things, the NBC will carry out an analysis of the condition of its canopy and establish a multi-year plan of priority arboricultural interventions in relation to the various diseases and insects affecting certain tree species present in the park.

Similarly, two major repair projects will be carried out as part of the asset maintenance plan, namely the replacement of the roof of the Plains of Abraham Museum and the refurbishment of the greenhouse. Various major repair projects are planned to bring certain buildings up to standard, in order to ensure their longevity.

In the spring of 2025, restoration of the monument des Braves will be completed, and the said heritage monument will return to its site on a permanent basis.

The NBC will receive the final results of the feasibility study for the restoration of the eastern sector of the Plains of Abraham (formerly known as Cove Fields), an area that has been in demand for many years for large-scale events. This report will propose development options to achieve the main objectives set by the NBC, namely to preserve and enhance the built and natural heritage, while improving the efficiency of event deployment and limiting their impact on the park.

To make the park safer for everyone, the NBC will continue to deploy measures to mitigate bicycle and car traffic.

The NBC will continue the restoration plan for the fifty or so old cannons under its responsibility.

The NBC intends to continue implementing its Accessibility Plan.

Results that the NBC plans to achieve:

  • Replace the copper roof of the Plains of Abraham Museum;
  • Make the greenhouses operational and safe;
  • Reintegrate the monument des Braves on its site;
  • Carry out priority arboricultural maintenance;
  • Conduct a feasibility study for the restoration of the eastern sector of the Plains of Abraham (Cove Fields) and draw up an implementation plan for the selected option.

Key risks

The risk of deterioration in the condition of heritage assets on Battlefields Park territory is part of the NBC's reality. Likewise, the park's high level of visitor traffic presents an ongoing risk to the safety of park users.

Planned resources to achieve results

Table 2: Planned resources to achieve results for the Conservation
Table 2 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
Resource Planned
Spending $13 351 278
Full-time equivalents 22

Complete financial and human resources information for the NBC’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

More information on NBC’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

The Conservation is supported by the following programs:

  • Maintenance of infrastructure and security

Additional information related to the program inventory for the Conservation is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Core responsibility 2: Promotion of Heritage

Description

Showcase the history of the National Battlefields Park and enable the discovery of its heritage and natural resources by organizing, through the visitor centre of the Plains of Abraham Museum, exhibitions, educational and recreational activities, and guided tours.

Quality of life impacts

Area Indicator Targeted part of essential responsibility
Health Physical activity Promoting knowledge and discovery of the heritage and riches of the Battlefields Park
Society Sense of pride/belonging to Canada
Participation in cultural or religious practices, recreation or sport
Sense of belonging to a local community
Environment Satisfaction with local environment
Walkable neighborhoods

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for the Promotion of Heritage. Details are presented by departmental result.

Table 3: Visitors benefit from a heritage and educational experience
Departmental Result Indicators Actual results Target Date to achieve target
Number of visitors 4,000,000 4,000,000 March 31, 2026
Percentage of visitors satisfied with the reception and services offered
  • 2021-22: 97,7 %
  • 2022-23: 97 %
  • 2023-24: Not available*
80 % March 31, 2026
Number of cultural educational and heritage events offered by the NBC
  • 2021-22: 39
  • 2022-23: 56
  • 2023-24: 48
Between 40 and 60 March 31, 2026

* The actual result is not available as no data has been collected.

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for the NBC’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for the Promotion of Heritage in 2025-26.

Visitors benefit from a heritage and educational experience

The plan is to maintain the current quality of the NBC's museum services. However, a number of improvements will be made to museum furniture and mediation tools, to make them more accessible.

In addition, the NBC will be preparing its next temporary exhibition, which will open in 2026-2027. It will showcase the work of a variety of artists.

Furthermore, the NBC will continue to enhance its archives and collections with a new digital management tool that will make collection items accessible on the website. Historical content on the website will also be enhanced to highlight the park's heritage.

Similarly, the Plains of Abraham Museum boutique will be enhanced with new products to promote the Plains of Abraham brand image.

Finally, in spring 2025, the development of Cap Diamant around the works of First Nations artists will be completed with the installation of interpretation panels.

Results we plan to achieve

  • Maintain the current quality of museum services;
  • Offer a digital showcase for the collections;
  • Complete the development of Cap Diamant.

Key risks

The NBC's ability to deliver its services effectively may be affected by the risks it encounters, such as a lack of financial, material and human resources, as well as climatic, social and economic risks. In particular, these risks can have an impact on tourist numbers and traffic on the NBC territory.

Planned resources to achieve results

Table 4: Planned resources to achieve results for the Promotion of Heritage
Table 4: provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
Resource Planned
Spending $3,225,328
Full-time equivalents 19

Complete financial and human resources information for the NBC’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government priorities

More information on NBC’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

The Promotion of Heritage is supported by the following programs:

  • Educational, cultural and heritage activities

Additional information related to the program inventory for the Conservation is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Internal services

Description

Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:

  • management and oversight services
  • communications services
  • legal services
  • human resources management services
  • financial management services
  • information management services
  • information technology services
  • real property management services
  • material management services
  • acquisition management services

Plans to achieve results

The General Management will continue to implement the NBC's Strategic Plan, the five main pillars of which are as follows:

  1. Develop the human capital and bring the talents to the fore;
  2. Affirm our unique positioning and improve customer experiences;
  3. Improve and diversify significantly our financial capacity;
  4. Engage actively in a process of reconciliation;
  5. Make sustainable development central to our actions.

The NBC will continue to implement the functionalities of the new financial and operations software.

This section presents details on how the department plans to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.

Planned resources to achieve results

Table 5: Planned resources to achieve results for internal services this year
Table 5 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
Resource Planned
Spending $3,989,128
Full-time equivalents 18

Complete financial and human resources information for the NBC’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Planning for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Each year, Government of Canada departments must meet the target of awarding 5% of total contract value to Indigenous businesses. This commitment must be fully implemented by the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

In 2024-25, the NBC unveiled two works of public art by First Nations artists on the Plains of Abraham. This unique project led to a donation agreement for a work by Haida Nation artist James Hart. The project also included a collaborative agreement with the Wendat Nation for the acquisition of a work of art by Indigenous artist Ludovic Boney. At 8.3%, the NBC far exceeded its target for awarding contracts to Indigenous businesses. For 2025-26, the NBC will continue to support the participation of Indigenous businesses in contracting opportunities.

Government of Canada departments are to meet a target of awarding at least 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses each year. This commitment is to be fully implemented by the end of 2024-25.

Table 6: Percentage of contracts planned and awarded to Indigenous businesses
Table 6 presents the current, actual results with forecasted and planned results for the total percentage of contracts the department awarded to Indigenous businesses.
5% Reporting Field 2023-24 Actual Result 2024-25 Forecasted Result 2025-26 Planned Result
Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses Not applicable 8,3 % 5 %

Planned spending and human resources

This section provides an overview of the NBC’s planned spending and human resources for the next three fiscal years and compares planned spending for 2025-26 with actual spending from previous years.

Spending

This section presents an overview of the department's planned expenditures from 2022-23 to 2027-28.

Budgetary performance summary

Table 7: Three-year spending summary for core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)
Table 7 presents how much money the NBC spent over the past three years to carry out its core responsibilities and for internal services. Amounts for the current fiscal year are forecasted based on spending to date.
Core responsibilities and Internal services 2022-2023 Actual Expenditures 2023-24 Actual Expenditures 2024-2025 Forecast Spending
Conservation 2,979,469 9,974,128 10,167,290
Promotion of Heritage 1,885,534 2,784,381 2,834,547
Subtotal (s) 4,865,003 12,758,509 13,001,837
Internal services 8,995,112 7,385,520 6,405,000
Total (s) 13,860,115 20,144,029 19,406,837

More financial information from previous years is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Table 8: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)

Table 8 presents how much money the NBC plans to spend over the next three years to carry out its core responsibilities and for internal services.
Core responsibilities and internal services 2025-26 Planned Spending 2026-27 Planned Spending 2027-28 Planned Spending
Conservation 13,351,278 5,874,532 5,874,532
Promotion of Heritage 3,225,328 3,225,328 3,225,328
Subtotal 16,576,606 9,099,860 9,099,860
Internal services 3,909,592 3,989,128 3,248,748
Total 20,565,734 12,269,072 12,348,608

More detailed financial information on planned spending is available on the Finances section of GC Infobase.

Funding

This section provides an overview of the department's voted and statutory funding for its core responsibilities and for internal services. For further information on funding authorities, consult the Government of Canada budgets and expenditures.

Graph 1: Approved funding (statutory and voted) over a six-year period

Graph 1 summarizes the department's approved voted and statutory funding from 2022-23 to 2027-28.

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For further information on the NBC’s departmental appropriations, consult the 2025-26 Main Estimates.

Future-oriented condensed statement of operations

The future-oriented condensed statement of operations provides an overview of NBC’s operations for 2024-25 to 2025-26.

Table 9: Future-oriented condensed statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2026 (dollars)

Table 9 summarizes the expenses and revenues which net to the cost of operations before government funding and transfers for 2024-25 to 2025-26. The forecast and planned amounts in this statement of operations were prepared on an accrual basis. The forecast and planned amounts presented in other sections of the Departmental Plan were prepared on an expenditure basis. Amounts may therefore differ.
Financial information 2024-25 Forecast results 2025-26 Planned results Difference (Planned results minus forecasted)
Total expenses 20,783,537 21,674,998 891,461
Total revenues (3,050,000) (2,632,000) (418,000)
Excess of income over trust fund expenditures* (179,167) (88,000) (91,167)
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 17,554,370 18,954,998 1,400,628

*The NBC has had a trust fund since 1984 for receiving donations from individuals, municipal corporations, and provincial and other governments. The fund is managed according to the provisions of section 9.1 of the An Act respecting the National Battlefields at Quebec.

A more detailed Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and associated Notes for 2025-26, including a reconciliation of the net cost of operations with the requested authorities, is available on the NBC’s website.

Human resources

This section presents an overview of the department’s actual and planned human resources from 2022-23 to 2027-28.

Table 10: Actual human resources for core responsibilities and internal services

Table 10 shows a summary of human resources, in full-time equivalents, for the NBC’s core responsibilities and for its internal services for the previous three fiscal years. Human resources for the current fiscal year are forecasted based on year to date.
Core responsibilities and Internal Services 2022-23 Actual full-time equivalents 2023-24 Actual full-time equivalents 2024-25 Forecasted full-time equivalents
Conservation 23 21 22
Promotion of Heritage 23 20 19
Subtotal 46 41 41
Internal services 19 19 18
Total 65 60 59

Table 11: Human resources planning summary for core responsibilities and internal services

Table 11 shows information on human resources, in full-time equivalents, for each of NBC’s core responsibilities and for its internal services planned for the next three years.
Core responsibilities and Internal Services 2025-26 Planned full-time equivalents 2026-27 Planned full-time equivalents 2027-28 Planned full-time equivalents
Conservation 22 22 22
Promotion of Heritage 19 19 19
Subtotal 41 41 41
Internal services 18 18 18
Total 59 59 59

Corporate information

Supplementary information tables

The following supplementary information tables are available on the NBC’s website:

Information on NBC’s departmental sustainable development strategy can be found on the NBC’s website.

Federal tax expenditures

The NBC’s Departmental Plan does not include information on tax expenditures.

The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures.

This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.

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