William Stevenson, Yellowhead
Linked statement
“Parks Canada is ending its search and rescue dog program in Banff. These dogs find lost people much faster than humans can and keep visitors safe. I want the minister to explain why she cut this program while executives got millions of dollars.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, Parks Canada announced it is cutting the 55-year search and rescue K9 program in Banff National Park. This program is essential to park visitor safety, responding to thousands of calls. Leroy, the last rescue dog, tracked 156 individuals and found 57 people over seven years. This is a small team that has a huge impact on visitor safety. These dogs cover areas 30 to 50 times faster than human rescuers. They are essential to the safety in our parks. Why is the minister cutting vital safety programs while her executives received millions of dollars last year?”
Mr. Speaker, last week, Parks Canada announced it is cutting the 55-year search and rescue K9 program in Banff National Park. This program is essential to park visitor safety, responding to thousands of calls. Leroy, the last rescue dog, tracked 156 individuals and found 57 people over seven years. This is a small team that has a huge impact on visitor safety. These dogs cover areas 30 to 50 times faster than human rescuers. They are essential to the safety in our parks. Why is the minister cutting vital safety programs while her executives received millions of dollars last year?