Vision, mission, raison d'être and operating context 2026-27
Vision
With its park, a popular place for gatherings of all sorts, the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) is renowned for its openness and sensitivity to all communities. Its high-performing, committed staff have made the NBC, and all its components, a source of pride and have raised it to the status of a respected, inescapable actor in efforts to develop Quebec City, Quebec, and Canada (2022-2025 Strategic Plan).
Mission
Under its mandate, the NBC is responsible for preserving, conserving, and developing the Battlefields Park in downtown Quebec City. It manages the site and the funding it receives for this purpose. The NBC was given its mandate by the Act respecting the National Battlefields at Quebeci, 7-8 Edward VII, chap. 57, passed on March 17, 1908, and its amendments. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. It is managed by a Board of Directors composed of seven commissioners appointed by the Governor in Council.
The Board of Directors decides on the general orientations for achieving the strategic objectives and plays a key role in the NBC’s governance. The Secretary, who acts as CEO, is appointed by the Governor in Council. She is responsible for putting the general orientations into place and managing all of the day-to-day NBC operations. She therefore works both to achieve the strategic objectives and to ensure that the outcomes of each program are as expected.
The NBC’s territory is one of Canada’s most significant historic sites. Known as the “Plains of Abraham,” it is an emblematic gathering place in Quebec City. The NBC combines the site’s historic importance with its use as an urban park. It seeks to preserve this heritage for future generations, to maintain the site so that the public may fully enjoy its assets, and to introduce Canadians and foreign visitors to the important events in the country’s history that are associated with it.
Raison d'être
The NBC, as manager of the Battlefields Park of Quebec City, offers Canadians and foreign tourists an opportunity to enjoy the rich heritage of Canada’s leading national historic park by providing them with a welcoming, inspiring, and safe space.
Operating context
In September 2025, Lise Moreau was appointed as Secretary and CEO, following a year of interim co-management.
In 2026-27, the NBC has begun implementing the plan to reduce operating budget expenses. This plan will be spread over three years.
The NBC is carrying out several development and rehabilitation projects to improve the condition of its property and ensure the development and safety of its territory for the entire population. In line with its asset maintenance plan, the NBC should complete replacement of the copper roofing on its museum and begin repairs to the building’s mechanical systems (ventilation, air conditioning, and heating). It will also undertake various initiatives to improve the eastern sector of the Plains of Abraham, i.e., development work on the major events site and the project to showcase the vestiges of the temporary citadel.
While respecting the balance between the historic site and urban park vocations which together make for the uniqueness of its territory, the NBC continues to host many events on the Plains of Abraham—a very popular host site. Under its mandate, the NBC works with many institutional partners, be they regional, provincial, or federal, as well as with various local bodies.
The NBC has also invested in improvements to accessibility. To this end, it has been carrying out its Accessibility Plan, which will provide all users with a better experience and remain consistent with the government’s values.
The NBC will pursue the work of its AI Committee in line with the government’s generative AI framework in order to guide and support the NBC’s use of artificial intelligence.
In addition, the NBC’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy provides it with guidance for its actions and encourage an integrated approach to sustainable development.
i An Act respecting the National Battlefields at Quebec, https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-3.4/page-1.html