Modernization of Daniel J. MacDonald Building will extend lifecycle of Veterans Affairs Canada national headquarters in Charlottetown
The Government of Canada is providing a modern, sustainable and efficient workplace for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to continue to deliver important services and programs to Veterans and their families.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract worth more than $98 million (including taxes) to EllisDon Corporation for renovations to the Daniel J. MacDonald Building in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The building serves as the national VAC headquarters and also houses the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
Work under this contract includes architectural upgrades to meet the latest accessibility and sustainability standards, such as widening doors and corridors for wheelchairs, and upgrading energy and sustainability in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The interior office space will also incorporate GCworkplace standards for a modern workforce for the new public service, and be accessible, flexible and agile to better meet operational requirements. This will help support productivity and wellness for approximately 900 employees.
Modernizing the building will contribute to environmental performance goals for the Government of Canada's real property portfolio by targeting net-zero carbon greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy announced in March 2022.
The renovations will also include a public museum space displaying heritage artifacts and educational information about the incredible contributions Veterans have made to Canada's growth as a nation.
It is anticipated that the construction will create work opportunities for local subcontractors and will sustain good paying jobs locally. The modernization project will also include an Indigenous Participation Plan that will see 10% of all subcontracts awarded to Indigenous businesses, as well as 1% of the contract value for skill and capacity building.
