On October 17, 2001, the Minister of Public Works and Government Services announced the creation of the Parliamentary Precinct Oversight Advisory Committee to give independent oversight and advice with respect to the implementation of the Long-Term Plan for Parliament Hill.

The Minister of Public Works and Government Services established the Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Council which provided independent advice on A Legacy for Future Generations: The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct (Long-Term Plan). The Minister of Public Works and Government Services has determined that it would be useful to receive independent oversight and advice with respect to the implementation of the Long-Term Plan. Consequently, the Minister established the Parliamentary Precinct Oversight Advisory Committee to provide this independent perspective.

Mandate

The mandate of the Parliamentary Precinct Oversight Advisory Committee is to advise the Minister of Public Works and Government Services on various matters relating to the implementation of the Long-Term Plan. These matters include, but are not limited to:

• a due regard for the long-term costs;
• any significant changes in scope;
• the decision-making process with the clients;
• a governance and risk management framework;
• the preservation of the buildings, with special reference to their unique heritage status.

Membership

The Advisory Committee is composed of a Chair and four (4) members able to provide professional oversight. Their participation will be on a voluntary basis but expenses will be covered. The role of the Chair will be to act as the main liaison with the Minister, manage the Advisory Committee, facilitate consensus, and act as a spokesperson.

Biographies of the Committee members

To reach the Committee write to Sheila.Cook@sympatico.ca.

Liaison with Stakeholders

The Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament and National Capital Commission, as the key stakeholders, would each be asked to nominate a representative; these representatives will be the liaison with the Advisory Committee and will be consulted as appropriate.

In addition, the Advisory Committee will consult with special interest groups and representatives of the general Canadian population as appropriate.

Activities of the Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee will be asked to provide an independent perspective in the following areas:

• the costs of the Long-Term Plan;
• an overall procurement strategy;
• changes in client requirements;
• a governance and risk management framework;
• the resolution of stakeholder concerns.

The Advisory Committee will meet as required.