Parks Canada to Cut 500 Positions Amid Federal Budget Review

The federal agency Parks Canada is eliminating 500 full-time equivalent positions as part of a workforce adjustment to absorb $145 million in budget cuts over the next three years. This reduction represents a 10 per cent spending cut mandated by Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget, which seeks $60 billion in savings across the government through a comprehensive expenditure review.

Interim President and CEO Andrew Campbell notified 2,917 employees—approximately two-thirds of the agency's workforce—that their positions are at risk. The agency plans to reduce non-essential internal services and target sites with low visitation. Campbell stated that while the agency will maximize voluntary departures, attrition alone will not be enough to meet the targets, meaning some staff face involuntary layoffs.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada has criticized the move, arguing that the cuts weaken the ability to maintain historic sites and ensure visitor safety while the government simultaneously promotes public access. Union leadership highlighted the acute stress for roughly 375 employees currently assisting in the recovery of Jasper National Park following a devastating 2024 wildfire. The union also pointed to the 'Canada Strong Pass' free admission program as a driver of increased visitor demand that lacks the revenue to sustain necessary operations.