HomeRole of the National Capital Commission
The NCC’s responsibilities for Canada’s official residences include the long-term planning and capital improvements at these residences, the ongoing maintenance of the buildings and the grounds, as well as the furnishing and enhancement of the interiors. The occupants of the residences are responsible for household operations and activities within the residences.
The NCC takes each property’s heritage, functionality and security needs into consideration, and consults with many related agencies, representatives and professionals as it carries out its work.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosts a reception for pages, guides and law clerks.
Credit: Sgt. Éric Jolin, Rideau Hall
The NCC’s overall objective is to ensure that “the official residences are furnished, maintained and rehabilitated to safeguard their national heritage, to provide safe and appropriate accommodation for Canada’s official leaders, and to serve as inspiring properties and grounds for the conduct of state events and ceremonies.” (NCC Corporate Plan)
The NCC is supported by its national advisory committees in carrying out its responsibilities for the official residences. Through these committees, the NCC acquires a national perspective and a broad range of professional expertise. Members of these committees are recruited from among recognized experts in Canada’s professional, academic and business communities. The committees make recommendations and provide technical guidance to the NCC and its Executive Management Committee.
There are two advisory committees that support to the NCC in its responsibility for the official residences.
The Advisory Committee on the Official Residences of Canada advises the NCC on the management of the residences, as well as on proposals related to capital improvements, long-term planning, interior refurbishing, building and landscape projects, and life cycle needs.
The Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty provides advice on the architectural and landscape designs for the buildings and grounds of the official residences.
The NCC is also supported in its work through the generous efforts of the Canadiana Fund, established in 1990 to assist in the enhancement of the interiors of the official residences through the donation of furnishings and artifacts. With the help of many generous donors and volunteers, the state areas of the residences have been significantly enriched with the Canadiana Fund’s unique and treasured contributions.