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National Capital Commission directors will meet by teleconference Monday to consider a “strong suggestion” from Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly that they add the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau to the 15-member board as non-voting, ex-officio members.

In an interview with the Citizen, Joly, the minister responsible for the NCC, said she asked for “significant governance changes” in a letter Monday to Russell Mills, chair of the agency’s board.

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If the NCC agrees, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin would be able to ask questions and participate in debates — but not vote — at all public and in-camera meetings of the NCC board, other than those involving matters such as commercial negotiations or solicitor-client privilege.

They would have to abide by the NCC’s code of conduct and confidentiality provisions and declare any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

In addition, Joly encouraged the NCC to invite the mayors of 11 smaller surrounding municipalities to attend board meetings when items affecting their communities are on the agenda.

She also served notice that she intends to appoint an indigenous person to the NCC board of directors this year to fill an upcoming vacancy. The board has had indigenous members in the past but currently lacks any.