Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a national fundraising campaign for the restoration of the prime minister’s official residence, imposing donation limits and ensuring transparency by making the list of donors public. Carney stated that the Rideau Hall Foundation, responsible for the campaign, will determine the donation limits, with a proposed cap of 10 percent of the total raised amount or a specific maximum donation.
Only donations from individual Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or philanthropic organizations will be accepted, while corporations are excluded from participating. Carney emphasized that the fundraising process is overseen by the Rideau Hall Foundation independently, without any external influence on decision-making.
Regarding the refurbishment cost of 24 Sussex Drive, Carney refrained from providing an estimate, indicating that design teams will first provide specifications for the official residence before determining costs. He emphasized the competitive nature of the process and the importance of not preemptively setting budgetary constraints.
The design and build competition for the modernization of 24 Sussex will be open exclusively to eligible Canadian design firms. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will supervise the competition, assembling an impartial jury comprising experts in architecture, heritage conservation, and design. The jury’s chairperson will be Moshe Safdie, with the winning proposal set to be announced by Canada Day 2027.
Carney highlighted the significance of 24 Sussex Drive as a symbol of Canadian democracy and its historical importance, having hosted notable figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Winston Churchill, and U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Acknowledging the dilapidated state of the residence, Carney emphasized the need to restore it to its former glory as a secure and sustainable official residence for future prime ministers.
In response to inquiries about using tax revenues for the refurbishment, Carney explained that the government faces numerous competing priorities, such as infrastructure, national defense, healthcare, and charitable initiatives. He underscored the public interest in supporting the project and expressed gratitude for the advocacy of former prime ministers towards the renovation.
Despite criticisms from opposition leader Andrew Scheer, who questioned the plan’s execution and potential conflicts of interest, Carney reiterated the importance of restoring 24 Sussex Drive for future prime ministers and Canadians, emphasizing the preservation of national heritage and institutions.