No. H 085/09
For release - June 9, 2009
OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State (National Capital Commission), the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, today introduced legislation in the House of Commons to amend the National Capital Act, the enabling statute of the National Capital Commission (NCC).
"The NCC is a vital national institution," said Minister Baird. "Our government's Action Plan for the National Capital Commission will modernize the NCC, making them more accountable to Canadians and providing them with the tools they need to make the National Capital Region a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike."
"The new vision of the National Capital Commission is great news for the Outaouais region," said Minister Cannon. "Our government is taking action to encourage the viability and transparency of the Commission, to protect Gatineau Park and to prepare this institution for the challenges and opportunities that are unfolding."
The proposed amendments to the National Capital Act would make NCC operations more transparent. The board of directors would hold at least four meetings in public each year, with the option for the board to consider some matters in camera, as required. At least every 10 years, the board would submit a 50-year master plan for the National Capital Region, for approval by the Governor in Council and for tabling in Parliament. The proposed amendments would also require that a transparent regulatory regime be established before properties can be designated as part of the National Interest Land Mass.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that Gatineau Park is a precious natural resource," added Minister Baird. "We are committed to ensuring its ecological integrity for the enjoyment and long-term benefit of all Canadians."
In addition to measures already implemented by the government, this legislation responds to recommendations made in December 2006 by the independent review panel that was commissioned to study the mandate and functions of the NCC.
A backgrounder with further information about the proposed amendments to the National Capital Act is attached.
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AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
The Government of Canada is proposing changes to the National Capital Act that respond to recent public and stakeholder input and ensure the National Capital Commission (NCC) can efficiently and effectively fulfill its mandate.
In April 2006, the minister responsible for the NCC launched a review to assess the continuing relevance of the NCC, its activities and level of funding.
An independent review panel invited a broad range of stakeholders and interested parties to express their views. In addition to a number of individuals, participants included federal departments and agencies, other levels of government, foreign institutions, parliamentarians, and local and national not-for-profit organizations. The panel received written briefs, as well as oral presentations at public meetings, and met with experts. The independent review panel released its report to the public in December 2006, making 31 recommendations concerning the NCC's governance, activities and funding.
Since then, the government has taken several steps consistent with panel recommendations. An annual $15-million increase in funding for the NCC was announced in Budget 2007. In keeping with the Federal Accountability Act, which received Royal Assent on December 12, 2006, separate chairperson and chief executive officer positions were created at the NCC. And, in September 2008, the Governor in Council approved the acquisition by the NCC of private properties in Gatineau Park to facilitate such transactions.
Highlights of the proposed amendments:
- The NCC's board is required to hold at least four meetings in public per year, and may hold parts of a meeting in camera if required;
- The NCC is required to submit, at least once every ten years, a 50-year master plan for the National Capital Region, for approval by the Governor in Council and tabling in Parliament;
- The NCC's existing responsibility for the six official residences and for certain elements of transportation planning in the National Capital Region are reflected in the Act;
- The NCC may designate or remove designations of properties that are part of the National Interest Land Mass only if regulations setting out the criteria and process have been introduced;
- The NCC must manage its properties in accordance with principles of responsible environmental stewardship;
- The NCC is required to give due regard to maintaining the ecological integrity of Gatineau Park;
- The boundaries of Gatineau Park are described in a schedule;
- The NCC may make regulations prescribing user fees, which under this new legislation, would require Governor in Council approval;
- New and enhanced regulatory authorities and enforcement provisions to enable the NCC to better protect its properties; and
- The NCC is no longer required to seek Governor in Council approval through an Order in Council for individual real estate transactions such as acquisitions, disposals and leases.
The National Capital Commission
The NCC is a Crown Corporation that was created in 1959 to plan and build a beautiful national capital that reflects the special character and the significance of the seat of government.
The NCC is mandated in the National Capital Act to:
- prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region; and
- organize, sponsor or promote public activities and events in the National Capital Region to enrich the cultural and social fabric of Canada.
June 2009
