Federal Heritage Legislation

Did you know that Canada is the only G-7 country without laws to protect heritage places owned or recognized by its national government? 

The federal government is Canada’s largest property holder with over 4,000,000 km² of crown land and 37,000 buildings in its portfolio, including 1,200 recognized for their heritage value. In addition, it regulates or commemorates hundreds of other heritage places across the country, including heritage railway stations and privately owned National Historic Sites.

And yet, Canada is the only G-7 country without laws to protect heritage places owned or recognized by its national government.

The December 2019 Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mandate Letter looked to change all that by identifying new heritage legislation as a top priority: “Work with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to provide clearer direction on how national heritage places should be designated and preserved, and to develop comprehensive legislation on federally owned heritage places.”

The National Trust in consultation with its National Council partner organizations were asked to submit their recommendations Proposed Federal Heritage Legislation – National Trust and Council Recommendations on what this long-awaited legislation should contain.

On June 7, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, tabled Bill C-23, proposing legislation dedicated to the designation and protection of federally-owned historic places.

The Bill has now passed first reading.