PSAC and the Parks Canada Agency have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to lift the moratorium on the automatic cash-out of vacation and compensatory leave for Parks Canada members. Parks Canada members will have an opportunity to submit a leave liquidation management plan to liquidate excess leave balances beginning April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.  

For most Parks members, leave that is earned in a fiscal year and remains outstanding on September 30 of the following fiscal year is subject to an automatic cash-out provision. Members working on the canals have slightly different provisions and timelines for compensatory leave cash-out given their unique employment cycles. 

In order to return to the carry-over levels allowed in the collective agreement, PSAC and the Parks Canada Agency have agreed on a transition process. 

Vacation leave cash-out 

Members can submit a management plan for the liquidation of all leave in excess of the maximum applicable carry-over limits each year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. Members will still be able to request a cash out of vacation balances throughout the year, as described in the collective agreement. 

Compensatory leave cash-out 

Excess compensatory leave is treated the same way as vacation leave under this MOU. Compensatory leave will be liquidated before September 30, 2028. Most Parks Canada members with a leave balance on September 30, 2024 will receive a cash-out of any leave accrued during the previous fiscal year. Members working on the canals will have slightly different timelines. 

PSAC acknowledges that many members prefer paid time off over a cash payment in lieu. Members will continue to be allowed to use their vacation and compensatory time or to request a cash-out of their vacation or compensatory leave balances during the year, in the amounts and manner described in their collective agreement. 

The complete text of the MOU can be read here.