Two former Canadian prime ministers — one Liberal, one Conservative — are working together to raise $50 million to fix up 24 Sussex Drive, the historic residence where prime ministers live. The Rideau Hall Foundation made the announcement on July 4, 2026.

Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper governed Canada at very different times and from different political directions, but both have agreed to lead this restoration effort. The campaign is called "Restoring 24 Sussex: A National Project for Future Generations." A formal launch with both former prime ministers is planned for early fall.

Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to the restoration on June 26. The house has been empty since 2015 because it needs serious repairs. The federal government will pay for security — everything else comes from private donations. A design competition run by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada will choose the architectural firm and the builder.

So far, the campaign has raised $300,000 from nearly 1,200 Canadians, with an average donation of about $209. This sounds good, but it's still far short of the $50-million goal. The total jumped quickly after Carney's announcement — from $100,000 to $300,000 in just a few days — but more fundraising is needed.

The Foundation has set clear rules to keep the fundraising fair and non-partisan. No large corporate donations are allowed. No anonymous donations. Anyone giving money must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. These rules are similar to how federal election fundraising works, and they're designed to prevent the appearance that people are buying influence through donations.

Harper was the last of nine prime ministers to live at 24 Sussex before it closed. He has said he supports keeping it as a home for future prime ministers.

There's a political problem, though. The Conservative Opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, says the government shouldn't spend resources on a prime ministerial house when young Canadians are struggling with homelessness and housing costs. This puts Poilievre's party in an awkward position: one of their own former leaders is now asking Canadians to donate to exactly the project he is criticizing.

Years ago, Chrétien and Harper had privately agreed to help with fundraising for this restoration, but nothing happened during Justin Trudeau's time as prime minister. The new Carney government has revived the idea. The real test will come in the fall campaign: can volunteers and ordinary Canadians donate enough to reach $50 million?