Prime Minister Trudeau may gift 24 Sussex to the Assembly of First Nations, as a symbolic act of reconciliation
Justin Trudeau is considering a plan that would gift 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the official residence of the Canadian Prime Minister, to the Assembly of First Nations, with the intention that the building is used as a permanent national headquarters for the organization. In recent years, the building has been called ‘dilapidated’ and an ’embarrassment’ when compared with the official residences of other G20 nations, and the Trudeau government has been considering the construction of a new official residence elsewhere in Ottawa.
Only minor renovations would be required of 24 Sussex to re-purpose the 34-room, 12,000 square foot mansion. It’s thought that the first floor would function as the office of the National Chief, with formal dining and living spaces repurposed as a reception space, shared office spaces for support staff, and a conference room. Bedrooms on the second and third floors would be used as offices for senior policy and communications staffers.
Trudeau has refused to reside at the residence since his election in 2015, complaining about its condition and preferring to reside instead at Rideau Cottage (which was initially constructed to house the Governor-General) on the grounds of Rideau Palace. Trudeau and the Governor-General each have second homes at Lake Harrington, the federal retreat outside of the Capitol.
It’s unclear where in Ottawa the Trudeau government plans to construct a new official residence, though it is widely believed that the home will be similar to the size of the White House, though it will embrace a more Canadian style of architecture. The Trudeau government is considering several waterfront sites near Rockcliffe Park.
What else will Canada’s National Government give away, while making every effort to placate The Indigenous of Canada? Is it all smoke and mirrors or a real effort to give Indigenous People a say in their future generational development?
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
