Trudeau Urges Action: A New Official Prime Minister’s Residence in the Works
OTTAWA — As he prepares to leave office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has asked one of his ministers to assist in devising a strategy for a new official residence to take the place of the empty 24 Sussex.
In a letter sent to Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos and acquired by The Canadian Press, Trudeau requests that a plan examining alternative possibilities for the prime minister’s official residence be prepared by January 2026.
The official dwelling located at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa was shut down by the National Capital Commission in 2022 due to concerns over "safety and health," and it has remained unoccupied since 2015.
In his correspondence from March 7, 2025, Trudeau requests that Duclos form a consulting team tasked with providing guidance on the site selection, operational capabilities, financial aspects, and safety measures for the upcoming official residence.
He additionally mentions that the makeup of the committee will be decided by the Clerk of the Privy Council.
In the letter, Trudeau states that he has requested Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty to assist Duclos with overseeing the consultation group should it be necessary.
Trudeau states that the proposal must encompass a strategy to shift full accountability for the official residence, excluding routine upkeep, from the National Capital Commission to Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Liberal leader Mark Carney will take the oath of office as Canada’s 24th prime minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday following Trudeau’s official stepping down.
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on March 13, 2025.
Catherine Morrison from The Canadian Press
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