Assistant Deputy Ministers’ message: The Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct—Annual Report 2021 to 2022

We are pleased to present the Long Term Vision and Plan Annual Report for 2021 – 22, which provides updates on key activities in support of the long-term strategy that guides the restoration and modernization of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct.

This year again forced us to adapt to external challenges. From the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to unanticipated events such as the convoy protests on Wellington Street, the organization rose to the challenges and worked to mitigate impacts to key projects.

Notably, progress in the Centre Block Rehabilitation was significantly impacted by the occupation of Wellington Street and much of the capital’s downtown core. Access to the worksite for workers was blocked for several weeks, which had a direct impact on construction progress. Once the site was re-opened, we worked hard to adjust schedules to minimize delays. Working with suppliers and contractors, our team compressed timelines and found solutions to ensure the Centre Block project remained on schedule and on budget.

Despite the year’s unforeseen challenges, this did not stifle creativity in continuing to mature the plans for a fully integrated parliamentary campus. Public Services and Procurement Canada launched the second and final stage of the international design competition for the complete redevelopment of Block 2, the city block directly facing the Centre Block. This major redevelopment will not only provide necessary accommodations for Parliament and enable the restoration of the Confederation Building and the East Block, it will create a new Parliament Square, with an Indigenous Peoples Space in its very centre.

Other projects also progressed significantly this year. The major recapitalization of the East Block’s masonry was completed, as planned. Planning work for the redevelopment of Block 1, home to the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council, also advanced.

In advancing the Long Term Vision and Plan, Public Services and Procurement Canada also continued to strengthen relationships and build collaborative opportunities with Indigenous communities, in a steadfast commitment to reconciliation. In August 2020, Public Services and Procurement Canada worked with partners, including the National Capital Commission, to launch its first archaeological field school in partnership with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Algonquins of the Pikwakanagan First Nation. These efforts continued in 2021, with many students returning to deepen their commitment to archaeology as a means of honouring and preserving a rich cultural heritage from time immemorial. We were also honoured to work with Anishinabeg Elders and leaders through soul-wrenching times of national mourning, supporting them to respectfully remove items left around the Centennial Flame as an impromptu memorial to the thousands of children lost at residential schools following the horrifying discovery of 215 unmarked children’s graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Through a challenging year, there is much to be proud of. The professionalism and collaborative spirit of our people and partners is a testament to our accomplishments. Working closely with our parliamentary partners, we look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism. We do not know what awaits, but whatever happens, we will be ready to keep moving forward as we accomplish our critical and lasting work together.