A fundraiser will be held in Canada to repair the prime minister's residence
Canada plans to launch a nationwide fundraising campaign to renovate the prime minister’s official residence. The building, which was constructed in the 19th century, has long failed to meet modern safety standards, and its renovation could cost about 100 million dollars.
The Canadian government wants to renovate the Prime Minister’s official residence, but plans to raise part or even all of the funds for the renovation from sources other than the national budget. To this end, the Governor General’s Foundation will conduct a nationwide fundraising campaign in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this during a press conference in Ottawa. According to him, the future design of the residence will be determined based on the results of an open national architectural competition. After that, the fundraising campaign will begin. “To reduce government spending, the Governor General’s Foundation will launch a national fundraising campaign aimed at raising all or most of the funds needed to carry out the project,” said Mark Carney.
The premier added that this will allow ordinary Canadians, philanthropists, and community organizations to contribute to the restoration of the historic building. “This will allow ordinary Canadians and charitable organizations to directly contribute to the revival of this iconic site, which belongs to all of us,” he noted.
At the same time, Carney emphasized that he himself does not plan to live in this residence. “I will never, under any circumstances, live in this residence. However, future prime ministers will certainly raise their children there while leading our country. We will restore this property so that they can do so safely,” said the head of government.
The official residence was built back in the 19th century. Over the decades, it has deteriorated significantly and now has numerous serious problems. According to official assessments, asbestos, mercury, mold, and pests have been found on the premises. In addition, the building no longer meets modern safety standards. Preliminary estimates indicate that a complete renovation could cost approximately $100 million.
The last prime minister to reside at this residence was Stephen Harper. After his term ended in 2015, the house ceased to be used as the head of government’s residence precisely because of its poor technical condition. Even before the end of his term, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau instructed officials to prepare a plan of action. Options considered included both a complete renovation of the historic building and the possibility of relocating the official residence to another site.
The government has now decided to proceed with a large-scale renovation of the historic site and plans to involve not only the government but also Canadians themselves in funding the project. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this during a press conference in Ottawa.
The Canadian government is discussing with Ukraine the possibility of sending some firearms—the use of which has been banned—to help deter Russia on the battlefield.
The House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament approved the allocation of 764 million Canadian dollars (approximately 587 million U.S. dollars) in military aid to Ukraine. It also approved the allocation of financial assistance and funds for humanitarian demining.
