No. H048/10
For release - April 30, 2010
OTTAWA — Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State (National Capital Commission), today announced that the Government of Canada has reintroduced legislation to amend the National Capital Act (NCA), the enabling statute of the National Capital Commission (NCC).
“The NCC continues to be a source of enduring pride and identity for all Canadians,” said Baird. “Once passed, our government’s legislation will improve the transparency of the National Capital Commission and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our capital’s precious natural resources.”
“This is an important step in providing the tools we need to protect NCC properties, and particularly the Gatineau Park, which contribute positively to people’s experience of the National Capital Region,” said Minister Cannon.
The legislation incorporates all of the elements of Bill C-37, which was introduced in the previous session of Parliament. These amendments respond 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.
– 30 –
Contacts:
James Kusie
Director of Issues Management and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of Canada's Transport Minister
John Baird, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (NCC)
Lawrence Cannon, Ottawa
613-995-1851
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
In April 2006, the minister responsible for the National Capital Commission (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. It released its report to the public in December 2006, making 31 recommendations concerning the NCC’s governance, activities and funding.
Since then, the Government of Canada has taken several steps consistent with panel recommendations. An annual increase in funding for the NCC was announced in Budget 2007. In keeping with the Federal Accountability Act, separate chairperson and chief executive officer positions were created at the NCC. In September 2008, the Governor in Council approved the acquisition by the NCC of private properties in Gatineau Park to facilitate such transactions.
The tabling of Bill C-37, an Act to amend the National Capital Act, responds to recent public and stakeholder input and ensures that the NCC can efficiently and effectively fulfill its mandate.
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 10 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 transportation planning in the National Capital Region are reflected in the National Capital 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.
April 2010
