The NCC and the House of Commons
Traditionally, Ottawa-area residents haven't had much luck appealing to their local Federal MPs when it comes to the NCC (see here for some idea why). In fact, it's generally opposition MPs who have stood up to voice objections to the NCC's plans, even calling for its abolition. Here are a few excerpts from the Hansard over the years.
Hansard, Sept 24, 1998
NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
Mr. Inky Mark (Dauphin-Swan River, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, a secretive
organization of the government is making decisions behind closed doors
without public scrutiny.
The unelected National Capital Commission proposes to spend some $5
billion on a questionable project affecting the city's tax base.
Now we have learned that unelected NCC chairman Marcel Beaudry pressured
elected Ottawa city councillor Elisabeth Arnold. Mr. Beaudry asked
Councillor Arnold to withhold two recommendations from a city draft
report. The recommendations strongly object to the destruction of the
heritage buildings and the shrinkage of downtown development the NCC's
Metcalfe Street proposal would cause.
We have advice for the National Capital Commission. Be transparent and be
accountable.
Hansard, June 6, 1998
NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
Mr. Jim Abbott (Kootenay-Columbia, Ref.): Mr. Speaker the National Capital
Commission is an unelected, unaccountable body which administers
properties and events in the nation's capital. It has just announced a
humdinger of a 50-year plan for Canada's capital. The idea came from none
other than the Prime Minister himself.
The 50-year plan would involve demolishing at least two churches, five
heritage buildings and Ottawa's main public library. Great vision. Some
legacy. That amount of demolition is like clear-cutting buildings.
Speaking of vision, the same people at the NCC who intend to implement
this plan have had to sell greenbelt area around Ottawa to raise cash to
pay for their daily operations. Instead of such a controversial and big
budget vision for our nation's capital we need democracy in the National
Capital Commission.
I call on the heritage minister to dismantle the current unelected,
unaccountable NCC board and replace it with elected representatives, a
commission accountable to the people who have to live with their
decisions. The beleaguered Canadian taxpayers always has to foot the bill.
Hansard, June 6 1998
NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
Mr. Eugène Bellemare (Carleton-Gloucester, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, yesterday,
the chairman of the National Capital Commission unveiled his vision of a
elegant capital for the new millennium. His vision for Canada's capital
region is a challenge to us for the new millennium.
Marcel Beaudry's vision would see the opening of the waterways on both
sides of the Ottawa River for all Canadians to enjoy.
A half century after visionary planner Jacques Gréber produced a master
plan for Canada's capital, we now would see a new vista open up on to
Parliament Hill. A world class boulevard would be developed in the core of
the capital, creating a spectacular view of the Peace Tower.
I applaud this vision proposed to us by the NCC for a National Capital
Region we can be even more proud of.
Hansard, April 22 1996
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Ms. Marlene Catterall (Ottawa West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have the
pleasure to present a petition signed by close to 1,000 people. It arises
from a situation that occurred in our nation's capital last year when the
National Capital Commission was looking at selling off parts of green
space and open corridors in the nation's capital.
The petitioners call to the attention of the House that when Jacques
Gréber released his plan for the national capital in 1950 it was
dedicated, at the direction of the cabinet, as a national war memorial to
those who had fought in the wars in defence of Canada.
Therefore, the petitioners call on Parliament to ensure that this
commitment and the dedication of the green spaces of the nation's capital
are maintained as a national war memorial and are not disposed of or sold.