Evidence of meeting #19 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was projects.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:45 p.m.
Executive Vice-President, Real Estate, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
With our developments, we're essentially working within the strength or weakness of the market, whatever it is. We we don't drive the market; we react to it.
The article that I saw today was focused on Toronto and Vancouver. In those instances, we have significant projects in Toronto and Vancouver. They won't be going out to market, they won't be supply going out to builders, for another two or three years.
We don't drive the market; we react to the market we're in and have the benefit of any assessments that economists do.
June 2nd, 2016 / 3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I want to welcome all of you this afternoon.
I will start with some questions for the Canada Lands Company representatives.
I think that this crown corporation is one of the well-kept secrets of the federal crown. I had the opportunity to work with the organization's members, including Mr. Cavis, and I must say that the experience was excellent. We engaged in discussions, which I hope to be able to continue, especially when it comes to the project involving the Chapais Farm, an Agriculture Canada site of which the department wants to divest itself.
The community is very interested in enhancing the site, which is exceptional. In Lévis, we say that it could become for us the equivalent of what the Plains of Abraham are for Quebec City. The site also has a great deal of potential for the development of affordable housing. I want to take this opportunity to mention that I plan to meet with the mayor over the next few days to reactivate the file after the election break we went through.
CLC is really a great organization. Mr. McBain, can you confirm the number of projects the company currently has underway? I think you brought that up. Is it indeed 33 projects?
Am I correct when I say there are 33 projects you are currently involved in?
3:50 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
In terms of the number of properties we have, we have about 1,700 acres across the country and 35 projects under way on a national basis.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
I will now turn to the representative of the Montreal Science Centre.
Ms. Payette, it's a pleasure to have you with us. I will be joining you this evening for a major event that, unless I'm mistaken, will take place at the centre.
Sorry, I forgot that the event's location has been changed.
3:50 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
Unfortunately, the event will not be held at the science centre.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Okay. The event was supposed to be held there, and I visited it recently.
Can you remind us of how important a science centre is for Canadian and science culture? Is there any data indicating that Canadians are losing interest in science or that, on the contrary, their interest in that field is constant? Should we make additional efforts to stimulate that interest?
3:50 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for the question, Mr. Blaney. It is highly relevant to my work. I joined the Canada Lands Company because they needed someone to manage the Montreal Science Centre and extend its reach.
I'll speak in English. Why not?
Where is the site of knowledge? Here in Canada we are so fortunate to have liberty and freedom to go to school and to advance and to progress. That cannot be done without science and technology, as we all know. Innovation comes from everywhere. The spark has to be given to young kids to decide to go and study science and technology, just like the spark to play hockey, or the spark to play the violin in an orchestra, or to go into public service, or become a member of Parliament as well. Every single person counts in a society. Sometimes, however, we forget that science and technology is for everyone and there is a basic science culture to be had. In order to grow, our society has to continue that. Throughout Canada we have more than 45 centres, some are municipal, some are provincial, a few are federal, that do science and technology
as well as science outreach
to instill that knowledge into people. We have six major science centres in Canada, one each in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa—with which you're most familiar with, I'm sure—and in Montreal. I'm very privileged to be the head of the one in Montreal.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Ms. Payette, do you believe that Canada should establish a national policy on science centres?
3:50 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
Canada should establish a policy on science. Just the fact that we have a Minister of Science within the government is an excellent development. Maintaining our participation in this field is absolutely fundamental for our progress, for continuing to play a role on the world stage and also for the well-being of our population.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Let's come back to the Montreal Science Centre.
Has the experience of clients or visitors changed over the past few years? Do you have any projects lined up for the centre?
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
Since my arrival, we have had permanent exhibits, as is the case for all science centres. We began renewing them in 2014. We have renewed three of the four permanent exhibits.
Of course, every year, we have temporary exhibits during the summer, and we will continue to work on that development because we are increasingly part of a technological society where we can no longer ignore the fact that technology is part of our life. Therefore, the Montreal Science Centre must continue with its work.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Financially speaking, can you tell me what the budget of the Montreal Science Centre is and what portion of its activities is funded by the private sector?
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
Our operating budget is $15 million, and we generate 75% of our revenue through internal activities.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Does that mean that the revenue comes from entrance fees to the centre?
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
The revenue comes from the ticket offices of the science centre and the IMAX theatre. In addition, we rent our rooms for events.
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
We have concessions, parking spaces and sponsors.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Are you saying that the federal government covers only 75% of the $15 million?
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
No, the figure is 25%.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
3:55 p.m.
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre, Canada Lands Company Ltd.
You're welcome.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC
Madam Chair, do I have a bit of time left?
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
