Parks Canada plan to cut 500 jobs draws criticism from union
Parks Canada is restructuring its workforce following a $145-million budget cut over the next three years. The union representing the public servants said the impending layoffs are "disappointing."
Reductions come in response to federal funding cut of $145M over next 3 years
Maggie Kirk · CBC News
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Parks Canada expects to eliminate the equivalent of 500 full-time jobs across the country as part of a “workforce adjustment,” the federal agency confirmed to CBC News on Thursday.
Nearly 3,000 Parks Canada staff are being notified this week that their jobs are at risk, according to a memo sent to employees and posted online on Tuesday.
"We have used, and are using, every means we have to minimize the number of team members who may need to involuntarily leave the agency," Andrew Campbell, interim president and CEO for Parks Canada, said to employees.
He said a large number of staff were notified so that more employees will have the opportunity to leave the agency by choice.
The staffing reductions will be carried out in the coming months, but the exact timeline is unclear.
Krysty Thomas, regional executive vice-president for the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s (PSAC) Prairie region, called the impending cuts “disappointing,” especially coming on the heels of the free Canada Strong Pass program.
"As the federal government encourages more Canadians to visit, they must ensure that the parks have the staffing and resources to serve them safely,” said Thomas.
“To say that now your work isn't vital to the sustainability of these parks is extremely disappointing, frustrating, and there's a lot of uncertainty for these members.”
‘Attrition alone’ not enough
The workforce restructuring comes after the federal government’s comprehensive expenditure review, which requires Parks Canada to absorb nearly $145 million in budget reductions over the next three years.
Some Parks Canada programs will be scaled back or discontinued, and the number of positions required to deliver certain programs and services will be reduced.
“Given the scale of the required savings, I have been clear that attrition alone will not be enough to meet our targets,” Campbell said to employees in June.
At that time, Thomas said she didn’t expect that 2,917 workers — or nearly two-thirds of the Parks Canada workforce — would get an “affected” letter.
An “affected” letter doesn’t necessarily mean a layoff. It could signal that a position may no longer be required due to a lack of work, is getting fully discontinued, changed or will be relocated.
The “affected” staff members could get shuffled around based on vacant positions, or receive an “opting” letter, meaning they will be laid off.
Those who are laid off have rights under the collective agreement between Parks Canada and PSAC, such as the ability to exchange jobs with a non-affected employee who is willing to leave.
Uncertainty compounded by wildfire recovery
Thomas said the feeling of uncertainty is compounded for the roughly 375 Parks Canada employees who are still working to help Jasper recover from a devastating wildfire in 2024. The fire destroyed a third of the townsite and 20 per cent of Parks Canada assets in the park.
"These workers have already experienced tremendous hardship following wildfires in both Jasper and Waterton," Thomas said, also referencing the 2017 Kenow Wildfire in Waterton Lakes National Park.
"They're continuing to help build our community and now they're worried about the security of their own jobs."
In an email to CBC News, a Parks Canada spokesperson said that “over the coming weeks, decisions will be made on all positions being assessed," and more information relating to how this will impact the Jasper field unit will be made available as soon as possible.
"Responsible choices are being made so that programs and services can be delivered smarter, faster and more effectively for all Canadians," the spokesperson said, adding that Parks Canada’s commitment to conservation, visitor safety and memorable experiences remains unchanged.
Campbell emphasized that staff are not alone during the federal agency's period of uncertainty, and support is available for employees who need it.
"At the end of our transformation, Parks Canada will continue as the strong, future-oriented organization that we all love to work for, for many years to come."
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