Frequently Asked Questions: Parks Canada Transformation

1. What is the Parks Canada Transformation?

Parks Canada’s transformation aims at making the Agency more sustainable, more agile, more collaborative and more focused on priorities to achieve our mandate. We are modernizing how we deliver results for Canadians. Transformation is about reviewing our operational and functional models to ensure our work and investments are laser-focused on the areas of greatest impact, and to ensure that we are focused on mandate-driven work. We have elected to transform our organization in lieu of implementing blanket, agency-wide reductions, because we believe that by focusing on our fundamental accountabilities, and by leveraging partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, partners, local communities, and others, we can continue to deliver results for Canadians.

2. What is the process and timeline for this transformation?

Through previous sustainability exercises, we had already started to consider how we will transform as an agency.  Similarly, over the past year we have already begun to review some of our operating models.  However, the recently announced Comprehensive Expenditure Review has accelerated this work and has established our timeline for transformation. 

We are proceeding in three phases. The first phase is underway and includes a review of each directorate’s programs and services. In this review, we aim to ensure that we identify key priorities, areas of gaps or overlaps, and new ways to support operational delivery on the ground in fulfillment of our mandate.  The second step will consist of preparing for implementation, and finally the third step will be implementation, where we now expect that attrition won’t be sufficient.

We expect to get to the implementation step in late summer or early fall.

3. Why is this transformation happening now?

Our operating environment has evolved significantly, and a range of internal and external pressures are driving the need for renewal. Among these:

• Climate change and its accelerating impacts like severe wildfires and shoreline erosion pose growing risks to ecological integrity, requiring us to adapt.
• Advancing reconciliation efforts, including the full implementation of the Indigenous Stewardship Policy.
• New emerging technologies and digital tools that we need to leverage to enhance our operations and service delivery.
• The results of Parks Canada’s own sustainability and integrated planning exercises, as rapidly increasing operating costs are eroding the capacity of Parks Canada’s current delivery model.

And the driver that pushes us to act now is of course the Government of Canada’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) that requires tightened fiscal discipline within three years. We need to adapt our organizational structure to match our financial reality.

4. Does this change Parks Canada’s mandate?

Absolutely not. Our mandate remains exactly the same: to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations. What is changing is how we work to deliver this mandate. We are moving toward proactive revenue generation, technology-driven efficiency, and shared leadership with local communities and partners to modernize how Parks Canada delivers its mandate.

5. What is the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) and what are the specific savings targets?

The CER is a federal government-wide initiative and a critical driver of our current fiscal realignment. It is designed to ensure that federal spending is responsible and cost-effective. As per Budget 2025, by 2028-2029, Parks Canada will have had to find approximately $75 million in annual savings. While we have made great strides in finding those savings through the integrated business planning exercises, we still have a gap we need to fill.

6. Parks Canada Departmental Plan recently tabled in Parliament indicate that by 2028-2029, Parks Canada will have reduced its FTEs. Is this what to expect?

The Departmental Plan is tabled annually, typically in late February or early March. As renewal of temporary funding was unknown when the plan was finalized, the numbers reflect the Agency’s profile with no renewed funding. Decisions on renewals are still pending.

Renewals notwithstanding, Parks Canada will continue its current transformation exercise to deliver our mandate and government priorities in a more sustainable way, including through partnership and engagement with Indigenous peoples, NGOs, tourism operators and industry, local communities and businesses.

7. Will this transformation result in job losses?

Parks Canada is committed to managing workforce reductions through natural attrition, reassignment, and voluntary departures to the greatest extent possible. However, preliminary analysis suggests it is unlikely that budget objectives can be met through natural attrition alone. When Workforce Adjustment (WFA) measures become necessary, they will be handled with fairness and respect, in collaboration with unions, and in strict accordance with collective agreement.

8. Are we being asked to do more with less?

The goal is not to do more with less, but to change how we work. We are reviewing operations and programs to identify activities that are underperforming, duplicating or non-core to our mandate and responsibilities so we can stop or reduce them. By focusing our time and resources where they bring the greatest value, and leveraging alliances with partners, we will deliver our core mandate more sustainably.

9.   Are capital budgets or B-Base funding being cut?

Capital budgets used for infrastructure and technology are not included in the spending base identified for this transformation.

However, we recognize a significant portion of our funding is B-Base (temporary) and decisions regarding its role in savings proposals or the renewal of sunsetting programs have not yet been finalized.

10. Will the union be consulted?

Yes. Information about the review will be shared with the union at appropriate times. Parks Canada will engage with departmental union representatives as plans develop. Additionally, the Treasury Board Secretariat will engage with bargaining agents at the national level.

11. When will we learn more about the renewal of sunsetting funds?

We currently do not have a confirmed date for this information. We are continuing to await decisions from the government regarding the status of “sunsetting” programs, funded through B-Base funding. We will communicate the outcome of these decisions as soon as the information becomes available.

12. Can we use revenue generation to avoid these cuts?

No. While revenue generation helps support resilience and flexibility, it cannot replace the required reductions under the CER. The review specifically targets operating expenditures funded through government budget appropriations.

13. What is the difference between CER, ERI, and WFA?

• CER (Comprehensive Expenditure Review): This is one of the drivers of the current situation, and the one pushing us to act quickly. It is a government-wide initiative requiring departments to find savings (up to 15% over three years) to ensure spending is responsible and cost-effective.
• ERI (Early Retirement Incentive): This is a government-wide tool that allows eligible employees to retire early.
• WFA (Workforce Adjustment): This is the formal process outlined in the collective agreement. While we are prioritizing natural attrition and voluntary departures, preliminary analysis suggests these may not be enough. If further steps are needed to meet CER targets, we will follow WFA provisions to manage those changes fairly and in collaboration with the union.

14. What support is available if I am feeling stressed?

We understand that uncertainty regarding workforce reductions is stressful. Confidential support is available at all times through the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708 (or 1-800-567-5803 for the hearing impaired).

You are also encouraged to speak with your supervisor or the Ombuds Office: 1-866-787-6780 or omb@pc.gc.ca.