The Letter

May 2001

The Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, P. C., M. P,
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
And the Citizens of Canada

Dear Minister and All Canadians:

We, the members of the Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Council, are honoured to provide to you our recommendations on the future of the Parliamentary Precinct. We were charged in 1999 with carrying out an independent review of the long-term vision developed by Public Works and Government Services Canada and the implementation of that plan.

Our Council comprises members from the Senate, the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament, the National Capital Commission, the Canadian Conservation Institute, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada.

Having reviewed the report released by the Department of Public Works and Government Services in April 2001 (A Legacy for Future Generations - The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct) the Council wishes to recognize the dedication and hard work of the Department over a long period of time. The report is evidence of a carefully developed strategy which included extensive consultations between clients and stakeholders. It also reflects the input of a variety of experts whose research and review provided the necessary justification for the work required to ensure a sound future for the buildings of Parliament. That report presents three optional approaches.

In this report, we recommend one of the options and attempt to convey a sense of the proud history of the "Hill," of its importance to all Canadians as a focal point of celebration and democracy and of our vision for the future of these magnificent institutions.

John A. Fraser
Chairman
Place du Portage, Phase III - 15A2
11, rue Laurier Street - Hull (QC) K1A 0S5