It’s time that Prince Edward Island MLAs debate the future of Province House and decide what role the national historic site will play for our legislature. When a former speaker of the house, the clerk of the legislature and a respected educator all raise concerns in recent weeks about the building, it’s time for legislators to give the issue their full attention.
Province House has been closed since January 2015 as it undergoes major renovations. Original forecasts of costs and time have doubled. The price tag is now pushing $47 million while the projected opening is 2021. Both will likely increase.
These delays offer Parks Canada, the province and MLAs time to take a measured, second look. Officially, it’s the intent of all concerned to see MLAs move back into Province House from cramped, temporary quarters in the adjacent Coles Building. MLAs and staff will move into equally cramped quarters in Province House, even when renovations are complete.
The clerk of the legislature wants to make sure Province House can function as the home of a modern-day assembly once renovations are complete. Charles MacKay says the building won't be ready for the legislature even after the federal restoration because additional millions of provincial dollars for legislative facilities will be required. Before the province invests millions, let’s debate whether it's the right decision.
Parks Canada is focused on preserving the character-defining elements of Province House and to repair this building for future generations to enjoy – as a year-round national historic site and museum, and not as a full-time, working legislative building.
Everyone agrees it would be an historical loss if the assembly does not meet in Province House. But what’s more important is the efficient work of legislators. They need modern tools to do their job. The government, opposition parties and Parks Canada all seem to be side-stepping the question. Since design plans have not yet been finalized for Province House or the costs to re-establish the legislative assembly in the building, there is time to look at options.
History purists are aghast that the legislature might meet elsewhere. It’s been almost four years since MLAs left and they could be gone another three or four years. And the sky hasn’t fallen.
But it is preferable for the legislature to stay in Province House and remain true to our history, so a compromise could work. It would see MLAs meet, debate and enact legislation as usual in an upgraded Province House but also see the construction of a modern legislative building to house meeting rooms, offices for MLAs and arms-length agencies of government, on the vacant lot across the street. It would ease demands on space for everyone. Walking from the new legislative building to the historic assembly would be like walking down a hallway.
There is no need to rush this decision. But it’s an option that deserves a full debate before taxpayer’s money is poured into an inefficient solution. Let’s make sure this is the best use of tax dollars.
