"Parliament Hill is not a National Historic Site."

"Parliament Hill does not enjoy any legal protection. Not only does it not benefit from that protection, but the immediate area is a jungle for development." Senator Serge Joyal, December 12, 2019. 

Senate of Canada Debates, Issue 4, December 12, 2019  NATIONAL CAPITAL ACT-Second Reading of Bill S-203, an Act to amend the National Capital Act (buildings or works of national significance.)

Senator Joyal: "...I have been witness, as have all of you, to the expansion project of Chateau Laurier at the end of the tunnel. I would not even say across the street because we have an organic link to the Chateau Laurier building." According to Senators Forest, Munson, Bovey and Joyal there is no Canadian statute in which Parliament Hill is protected by the status of being a national historic site. The NCC does not have the power to review any alteration, construction, demolition, any work that could change the immediate landscape of the Hill.

Senator Joyal: "The Parliament of Canada Act defines what Parliament Hill is. I will read it": The grounds in the City of Ottawa bounded by Wellington Street, the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River and Kent Street known as Parliament Hill, and any buildings or works located on those grounds.

"The Senate of Canada Building located at 2 Rideau Street.. that is us, here. The building located at 1 Wellington Street in the City of Ottawa. That's where we have two committee meeting rooms, which are almost in the basement of the Chateau Laurier. The Victoria Building at 140 Wellington. That's where many of you have offices. The Sir John A. Macdonald Building, located at 144 Wellington, where we have parliamentary gatherings. The Confederation Building, the Justice Building which is immediately adjacent, and the Supreme Court of Canada". 

"That is what the (Parliament of Canada Act) defines as Parliament Hill, and that's where the protection area would be defined." 

House of Commons Ottawa July 20, 1973 The Hon. Jean Eudes Dube, Minister of Public Works: "...Concern has been expressed about the danger of visual encroachment on the beauty of the present parliamentary precinct, which is one of the great symbols of Canada. We have a duty to protect its dignity, grace and beauty for the years ahead."