As Canadians, we place great importance on our universal public health care system. Having access to quality health care is essential to our health and well-being, and the Government of Canada is always ready to work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to improve Canada's health system.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Government of Canada has signed an agreement-in-principle to move ahead with the transfer of the Asticou Centre building in Gatineau, Quebec, along with part of the land, to the Government of Quebec to enable the future Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire de l'Outaouais to be developed on the site.
The Asticou Centre site, which is owned by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), has a total area of 26 hectares, of which 17.2 hectares would be transferred to the Government of Quebec by December 2025. Subject to approval, the remaining 8.9 hectares would go to the National Capital Commission (NCC) for renaturalization purposes.
In addition to better addressing the health care needs and expectations of the region's population, the transfer of the Asticou Centre will also contribute to the government's efforts to reduce its office space portfolio by 50% over the next 10 years.
The Government of Canada is continuing to work with different partners, including provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as community organizations, to identify new opportunities for its surplus assets that will support housing and other community needs for the benefit of Canadians.
