Provincial Capital Commission

A Capital:

• is a city that is the official seat of government;
• reflects the history, aspirations and democratic traditions of its citizens;
• is a place to remember and explore our collective past, showcasing significant milestones, objects and symbols through museums, historic sites, heritage buildings and stories;
• is a place to celebrate the present;
• is a location of festivals, ceremonies, democratic processes and visits by important dignitaries;
• is a place to envision and realize the future;
• is a centre for advancing cultural arts, education, technology, recreation and athletics, conservation and preservation and justice; and
• is a symbol of the people to which it belongs, their way of government and way of life.

The Capital as a Seat of Government

A Capital city is where the three components, known as the "seat of government" are located. The three components are:

Political
The elected representatives who make laws and policy and work in the Legislative Building (or City Hall for municipal government).

Administrative
The public servants who draft policies and laws and administer government services work in government offices.

Judicial
The judges and lawyers in courts who uphold the laws as part of the legal system and work in the courthouse.

Our system of government is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. In Canada, the head of state is The Queen and her representatives who act on her behalf. Each Capital in Canada has a vice-regal representative.

Canada has one federal Capital – Ottawa, Ontario – 10 provincial capitals and three territorial capitals.

Our Political System

Canada's political system has three main components:

Parliamentary Democracy
Canada's system of government has three branches of Parliament; Governor General, House of Commons and the Senate, that debate laws before they vote on them. The monarch appoints the Governor General as her representative on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Governor General appoints the senators to represent regions on the advice of the Prime Minister. The members of the House of Commons, however, are elected by the people to represent them in their ridings, therefore creating a parliamentary democracy. This system of "responsible government" means the ministers must retain the confidence of a majority of the elected members in the House of Commons (federal) or Legislative Assembly (provincial).

Federal State
There are two concurrent jurisdictions in Canada: the central government in Ottawa and the 10 provincial governments. These jurisdictions are "co-sovereign," in that each has exclusive constitutional responsibilities as well as some shared ones; together they make up the Canadian State. The three territories, while receiving their authority from the Parliament of Canada, have been granted the right to exercise many powers similar to those of provinces. Their form of government continues to evolve.

Constitutional Monarchy
The Canadian Head of State is a hereditary monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, who reigns over Canada's parliamentary democracy and federal state. The King is personally represented by the Governor General for Canada as a whole and by the Lieutenant Governor in each of the 10 provinces; they carry out most of his functions as Head of State. Territories are under federal jurisdiction; they do not have Crown representatives. Territorial governments are instead headed by commissioners who are appointed by the federal government, an authority the commissioner represents in the territory.

Visit Canadian Heritage to learn more about the Canadian Monarchy.

The Provincial Capital Commission Board Members function as stewards of Government House and Wascana Centre. Its partners (Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina and University of Regina) have statutory responsibilities and an obligation to manage the affairs and the business of PCC in accordance with The Provincial Capital Commission Act, The Provincial Capital Commission Regulations and the PCC Governance Manual.

Minister

As outlined in the Act, the PCC is responsible to a minister for the performance of its duties and exercise of its powers. Currently, that minister is the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations. View his biography.

Board Members

As outlined in the Act, the Board of Directors is comprised of five members. Three members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. One of the members is appointed by resolution of the council of the City. One of the members is appointed by the Board of Governors of the University of Regina. The current Board is comprised of:

Government of Saskatchewan

Laurier Donais
PCC Board Chair
Acting Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Government Relations
Biography

Mr. Derek Myers
MLA for Regina - Walsh Acres
Biography

Mr. Mark Docherty
MLA for Regina - Coronation Park
Biography

City of Regina

Mr. Bob Hawkins
Ward 2 Councillor, City of Regina
Biography

University of Regina

Mr. David Button
Vice-President (Administration), University of Regina
Biography

Board Observers

• City of Regina - Councillor Cheryl Stadnichuk
• University of Regina - Ms. Lisa Mitchell

Contact Us

Your thoughts and opinions are very important to us. We value your feedback and welcome any comments you have to help improve our programs and services. Thank you for your time and input!

The PCC is proud to support the work of the Provincial Military Liaison – MLA Greg Lawrence.

We work alongside MLA Lawrence and his team on many initiatives intended to support our Saskatchewan military members, veterans and their families.

Some highlights of our annual initiatives:

• Remembrance Day Wreaths
  Each year, the PCC partners with the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command to fund the creation and distribution of over 170 wreaths to communities across Saskatchewan that have a cenotaph.
• Military Family Appreciation Tea
  On the third Friday of September lies Military Family Appreciation Day. In honour of this day, the PCC and the Provincial Military Liaison partner with the Moose Jaw Military Family Resource Centre to distribute 50 Victorian Tea packages to families.
• Veteran Care Kits
  In early December, the PCC partners with the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command to distribute 50 holiday gift packages to veterans across the province.

In addition, our office works closely with the Provincial Military Liaison to support local efforts for military awareness and our province’s military history.

Charles Knight Youth Mentorship Program

The Charles Knight Youth Mentorship Program provides an opportunity for Northern Saskatchewan students in Grades 9 through 12 to learn about the democratic process, explore post-secondary education opportunities and careers in government, and learn about the history of our province.

Students who participate will meet the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, along with various government officials to get an inside perspective of government and the legislative process. Students will also participate in a Mock Parliament in the Chamber of the Legislative Building.

Students will tour the following:

• Legislative Building;
• Government House;
• University of Regina;
• First Nations University of Canada;
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Regina Campus; and
• RCMP Depot Division.

All expenses to participate in the program are covered by the Province through the Provincial Capital Commission. Students and chaperones stay in residence at the University of Regina. Transportation from either La Ronge or Prince Albert, depending on applications, is also included.

What students have said about the program

97% of the students said they would recommend the program to other students.

• "Visiting the university has given me a broader view. It showed me all the opportunities available, and the supports the students receive."
• "Highlights of the program were the Mock Parliament with the Speaker and touring Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus."
• "I will remember touring the RCMP Training Academy and meeting the Lieutenant Governor."
  
  

How to apply

Students must complete an application form and prepare a written essay, explaining in 250 words or less how they have demonstrated leadership abilities to foster a healthy lifestyle in their school or community and why they are interested in participating in the Charles Knight Youth Mentorship Program.

The 2020 program has been postponed temporarily. Application forms will be available here once the program resumes.

A Day in the Legislative Assembly

A Day in the Legislative Assembly program provides Grade 8 students from southern Saskatchewan the opportunity to visit and tour the Legislative Building and learn about our democratic system of government. The students are introduced in the Legislative Assembly and invited to watch the proceedings. The program has been coordinated and delivered by the Provincial Capital Commission since 2012 and is offered twice a year (during the fall and spring sessions of the Legislative Assembly).

Bill-Ding Laws

In January of 2020, Government House partnered with Visitor Services in the Legislative Building to pilot a program called Bill-ding Laws, where students had an opportunity to learn about the passing of a bill and becoming law.

This year, seven classes of Grades 8-10 students ran through the process of drafting a bill and met their MLA before visiting Government House to learn about Royal Assent and the participation of the Lieutenant Governor in the democratic process.

This program received positive feedback from educators. There are plans to adapt and expand the program in future years.

Wascana Centre is home to the Legislative Building, the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Conexus Performing Arts Centre, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, MacKenzie Art Gallery, the Habitat Conservation Area and many others. These sites combine to create a unique place with urban development and major recreational assets for Regina.

Wascana Centre has had a Master Plan in place since 1913 to guide developments and land use within the park. The plan is updated on a regular basis, following comprehensive public input and review. The Master Plan will continue to guide the development of structures, infrastructure and landscapes throughout Wascana Centre, now and into the future.

Read information about the 2023 Wascana Centre Master Plan Review and Renewal.

The Provincial Capital Commission and its Board of Directors, with guidance from their Architectural Advisory Committee, are responsible for regulating and stewarding this land. The following provides background and information on proposed development within Wascana Centre.

• Land Use and Development Policy
  The policy establishes the criteria for the Provincial Capital Commission's approval of improvements and all land use within Wascana Centre and at Government House.
• Proponent Development Checklist
  This checklist is provided to the proponent and outlines the current audited steps in the Wascana Centre – Master Plan 2016 that are required of all development projects within Wascana Centre.
• Definitions: Public Participation Policy and Procedures
  These are the definitions used in the public participation policy, public participation for major development procedure, and public participation for Wascana Centre – 2016 Master Plan procedure.
• Public Participation Policy
  This policy establishes guiding principles and standards for public participation activities within the decision making processes for the Provincial Capital Commission.
• Public Participation for Major Developments Procedure
  This document describes the process for the development, review and approval of public participation plans for major developments initiated by proponents and the steps that must be taken by the proponent to implement the public participation plan.
• Public Participation for Master Plan Procedure
  This document describes the process for the development, review and approval of public participation plans for the review and renewal of the Wascana Centre - 2016 Master Plan and for major amendments to the Master Plan, and the steps that must be taken to implement the public participation plan. 
• Public Participation Policy and Procedures Reference Manual
  This document outlines and provides references for: the Spectrum of Public Participation (International Association of Public Participation - IAP2 - www.iap2.org), Public Notice Standards, Example of Public Participation Activities, Master Plan Public Advisory Committee, and Public Participation Stages for Review and Renewal of the Master Plan. 
• Tenant Land Use Application Policy
  This policy outlines the land use criteria that must be approved by the Provincial Capital Commission before finalizing any lease agreement between between the property owner, lessor or sub-lessor, and the tenant.

The Provincial Capital Commission's Business Plan for 2022-23 outlines the strategies and key actions the PCC has identified for the current fiscal year.

The Provincial Capital Commission's 2021-22 Annual Report presents the organization's results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. It provides results of publicly committed strategies, key actions and performance measures identified in the Provincial Capital Commission's Annual Plan for 2021-22.

The Provincial Capital Commission Act

The Air, Army, Sea and Navy League Cadets Recognition Day Act

The Culture and Recreation Act, 1993
(joint responsibility with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and Tourism Saskatchewan)

The Heritage Property Act
(joint responsibility with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and Tourism Saskatchewan)

The Historic Properties Foundations Act

The Government House Foundation Regulations

National Peacekeepers Recognition Day Act

The Recognition of John George Diefenbaker Day Act

The Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts Act, 2000

The Tartan Day Act

The Tommy Douglas Day Act

The Recognition of Telemiracle Week Act (2006)

The Fall 2022 PCC Newsletter is now available. You can view past editions of the newsletter by visiting the Publications Centre.

To receive your copy of the quarterly PCC Newsletter, please email your subscription request with your full name and preferred email address to pccnewsletter@gov.sk.ca.

January 20, 2023 - Have Your Say On The Next Wascana Centre Master Plan

January 5, 2023 - Lace Up Your Skates: the Rink on Wascana Is Now Open for its Second Year

December 20, 2022 - Take a Spin on the Rink on Wascana Starting this January

November 23, 2022 - Enjoy Family Christmas Programs at the PCC this Holiday Season

November 10, 2022 - The PCC Military Liaison Program Encourages Reflection and Recognition this Remembrance Day

October 19, 2022 - Halloween Family-Friendly Frights Await At Government House And Wascana Centre

September 16, 2022 - Provincial Capital Commission Celebrates National Forestry

August 3, 2022 - Enjoy Summer Programs at Government House This August

June 21, 2022 - Dedication of Residential School Memorial at Government House

June 2, 2022 - PCC Launches Innovative Program To Target Noxious Weeds With Goats

May 17, 2022 - Celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee at Government House

May 6, 2022 - Saskatchewan Supports Provincial Capital Commission with $7.3 million Investment

April 12, 2022 - Hop to Easter Egg Hunt at Government House

February 25, 2022 - Get Ready To Ring Those Phones

February 15, 2022 - Free Family Day Festivities at Government House

February 14, 2022 - Wascana Centre Update to Pedestrian Roads

February 4, 2022 - Wascana Centre Roads Converted to Pedestrian use for Regina Frost Festival February 4-6