Minister Joly and the NCC Welcome the Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau to NCC Board Meetings

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 11, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the signing of a statement that formalizes representation of the two major municipalities in Canada's Capital Region on the Board of Directors of the National Capital Commission (NCC). Starting with the next meeting of the Board, on April 28, the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau are invited to attend as non-voting observers.

Minister Joly expressed her support for the measures that the NCC is putting in place to show greater openness and transparency-an important part of the Government's commitment to Canadians. In the same spirit, she intends to ensure that Indigenous people are also represented on the Commission's Board of Directors.

When Minister Joly assumed her present responsibilities, she asked the NCC's senior executives to present her with options for improving the Commission's governance and making it even more open and transparent. At its February 29 meeting, the NCC's Board of Directors decided in favour of including the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau as non-voting observers, thus encouraging healthy cooperation in support of the development of the National Capital Region.

Participation by the two mayors in Board meetings will enhance cooperation between the NCC and municipal governments in the areas of urban planning, transportation, tourism and regional development, to the benefit of residents of the region as well as visitors. The Governance Committee of the NCC Board of Directors will report back to the Board in the coming months on additional measures to enhance the openness and transparency of the NCC, including the participation of the other municipalities in the National Capital Region.

Quick Facts

• The mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau have agreed to act in accordance with the resolution passed by the members of the NCC's Board of Directors, granting the mayors the status of non-voting observer-members.
• At the invitation of the Chair of the Board, the mayors-like all other members-will have the privilege of fully participating in discussions by raising questions and making comments during meetings of the NCC's Board.
• The National Capital Act, passed in 1958, states that the NCC is to be composed of 15 members, including the Chair of the Board and the NCC's Chief Executive Officer.
• Board members have a duty to act in the best interests of the NCC in accordance with its statutory mandate, and to exercise care and due diligence.
• The NCC is mandated to prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that the nature and character of the seat of the Government of Canada may be in accordance with its national significance.

Quotes

"We are committed to enhancing openness and transparency within the federal government. Another example of this commitment is the signing of this agreement between the NCC and the mayors, which will facilitate regional cooperation and benefit the entire community."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"I welcome the participation of the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau at the NCC's board meetings. This is a great opportunity for the National Capital Commission to enhance federal-municipal collaboration in building a dynamic and inspiring National Capital Region."

-Russell Mills, Chair of the Board of Directors, NCC

"I am honoured and pleased to join the Board of the National Capital Commission, along with the Mayor of Gatineau. This cooperation is instrumental in the positive and continuous development of the nation's capital, and I am eager to see this important partnership flourish."

-Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa

"This is an historic moment for the two cities of Gatineau and Ottawa. The government is responding to a long-standing request. We are at the beginning of a beautiful partnership, of which our citizens will be the principal beneficiaries."

-Maxime Pednaud-Jobin, Mayor of Gatineau

Associated Links

National Capital Act

National Capital Commission

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