Home- For ideas, principles or events, proposals for commemoration will not normally be considered until at least twenty years after the occurrence of the event. In the case of individuals, ten years must pass following the demise of the individual or the last surviving founding member of an organization before he/she may be considered for commemoration. Exceptionally, where a clear national consensus exists for commemoration, proposals may be considered before the ten-year period has passed.
- For individuals or groups, the subject of a commemoration must have been active in Canada or on behalf of the nation. International subjects may only be commemorated if they have had a significant and demonstrable impact upon Canada and the Canadian way of life.
- In the case of individuals or organizations, they must be tangibly and directly associated with events, ideas or beliefs of national significance. In the case of ethnic contributions, for example, the individual or group must be seen to have had an impact on the nation‘s history, which goes beyond his or her particular community.
- Ideas, principles and concepts will be commemorated only if they are accepted as exemplary and a positive influence on the life of Canadians.
- Canadian prime ministers who have served as leaders of their party and elected heads of government qualify for national commemorations five years after their death.
- Disasters, whether natural or man-made, will not normally be the subject of a commemoration unless it can be demonstrated that their long-term impact has shaped Canadian history.
- Evidence must be provided of the sponsoring group‘s ability to finance the project, including the cost of ongoing maintenance and/or operating costs, if applicable. In some instances a business plan will be required.
- All proposals for commemorations on federal lands require federal land use and design approval under section 12 of the National Capital Act. Depending on the scale of the project, the proponents may be required to submit plans, designs (possibly models) and environmental assessments. Significant projects may require presentations to one of the NCC’s advisory committees.
- Evidence must be provided of community support for the project; proponents are responsible for conducting at their expense all necessary consultations in connection with their project.
NOTE: Proposals for commemorations may also be evaluated, if the NCC considers it necessary, by experts on the particular subject under consideration.
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