Ottawa, 6 May 2008-While the National Capital Commission (NCC) has improved the condition of most official residences in recent years, those of the Governor General and the Prime Minister still need extensive repairs, says Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada, in her Report tabled today in the House of Commons.
"The official residences are more than housing provided to the country's senior government leaders. They are part of Canada's heritage and need to be preserved," said Ms. Fraser.
The federal government provides official residences to the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries.
The audit found that the NCC uses sound management practices. It regularly assesses the condition of the residences and briefs the occupants on conservation work needed. With federal funding it received in 2005, it was able to improve the condition of most of the residences. It has also carried out some of the major repairs needed at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence.
The Report notes, however, that there have been no major renovations to the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive for fifty years. The windows, the heating and air conditioning system, the electrical system, and the plumbing are all nearing the end of their life cycle and are in poor condition. This creates significant loss of heat and steadily rising heating costs, as well as discomfort for the occupants.
The NCC estimates that completely rehabilitating 24 Sussex Drive would cost about $10 million and would require full access to the residence for a minimum of 12 to 15 months.
"The NCC has a schedule for planned repairs to 24 Sussex. Delays are likely to result in further deterioration and higher costs," said Ms. Fraser.
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The chapter "Conservation of Federal Official Residences" is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
For more information, please visit the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
