2,671 PSAC members at Parks Canada received notice this week that their jobs may be cut. That’s more than half of all workers at Parks Canada. 

“Parks Canada workers are vital to our country. They protect our natural and cultural heritage, our environment, and the parks and historic sites that are critical to Canada’s national identity,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. “By cutting Parks Canada’s workforce, this government is stripping away the people who care for these places.”  

The majority of positions at risk are workers who work on-site at Canada’s parks, national historic sites, and waterways.  

“Workers are anxious about their futures. This decision brings uncertainty to thousands of PSAC members who have dedicated their lives to public service and protecting our environment,” said Alex Silas, trustee for the Union of National Employees. “The government should be investing in the people who protect our parks, not pushing them out.”  

The employer has not explained what specific programs or services will be impacted by these cuts, or how they will affect communities across the country. We know that these are the workers that keep parks and historic sites open, safe, and welcoming. Cuts could mean reduced services, shorter seasons, or sites that are harder to visit. 

These cuts are coming on the heels of an extremely busy Canada Strong Pass summer season for these workers. Prime Minister Carney made admission free and discounted camping, creating a massive increase in tourism and visits to these sites without providing any more staff or resources to Parks Canada. This announcement is an insult after our members did more with less all summer long.  

Parks Canada workers also care for some of the country’s most important ecosystems, wildlife, and natural spaces. Fewer workers mean less capacity to protect them. 

“In many communities, local Parks Canada sites are cornerstones of the economy. They bring in visitors, support local businesses, and provide good, stable jobs,” said Barry Tchir, national president of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees. “Cut those jobs, and workers may have no choice but to leave. That puts entire communities at risk.” 

Since January 2025, almost 15,000 PSAC members have received workforce adjustment notices. This week’s announcement will bring this total to almost 18,000.  

PSAC continues to call on the federal government to stop the reckless cuts and invest in the public services people across Canada rely on. 

If you’ve received a workforce adjustment notice, PSAC has resources to support you.