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Parks Canada

During Question Period, members questioned the government about job cuts at Parks Canada. Bloc Québécois members said the number of affected positions is 742 rather than the 500 the government had previously cited, raised impacts on parks in Quebec including La Mauricie, Forillon, Restigouche, and the Mingan Archipelago—where they said the nearest wardens would be 650 kilometres away—and asked the government to reverse the cuts, noting the parks’ importance to regional tourism. Parliamentary Secretary Yasir Naqvi responded that Parks Canada is modernizing its programs and services for long-term sustainability and value to Canadians, that adjustments come with the transition, and that the agency will continue its mandate for conservation, visitor services, and emergency preparedness, while continuing to work with partners in the Gaspé region.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

6 statements

Yves Perron

Bloc Québécois
“The government is cutting 742 Parks Canada jobs to save $145 million, not 500 as it claimed. The Prime Minister spent $150 million on free park passes. I want to know why he is firing over 700 workers to pay for his spending.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we stand in solidarity with Parks Canada workers. According to the union, it is no longer 500 positions, as the government claimed last week, but 742 positions that will be cut. These are good regional jobs, including in La Mauricie National Park. All of this is being done to save $145 million, even as the Prime Minister gave away $150 million in free park passes for his Canada strong agenda since taking office. Does his idea of a strong Canada involve firing over 700 people to cover his own spending?

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Yasir Naqvi

Liberal
“We are cutting some spending, but we will still protect nature and prepare for emergencies. We value our public workers, and these changes will make the system stronger.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we thank our federal public servants for their dedication, and we deeply appreciate the critical role they play in ensuring our safety and protecting Canadians and our environment. We must continue to protect nature and the environment while strengthening Canada’s emergency preparedness. While we are streamlining expenditures, those priorities will not be compromised. All the changes we are making are aimed at strengthening the system that Canadians rely on.

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Alexis Deschênes

Bloc Québécois
“The government must reverse its decision to cut staff at Parks Canada. Ninety-five full-time workers in Forillon and Restigouche could lose their jobs. These parks are vital for tourism. This is especially wrong because 225 families were forced off their land to create Forillon park.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, staff cuts at Parks Canada are an insult to the history of the Gaspé Peninsula: Ninety-five full-time workers are facing possible layoffs in Forillon and Restigouche. These parks are vital to our tourism industry. The insult is all the more egregious considering that 225 Forillon families were expropriated to create the park, causing wounds that have yet to heal. Imagine, Liberals expropriated these people only for other Liberals to come along and cut jobs and services. Is the government going to reverse this reprehensible decision?

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Yasir Naqvi

Liberal

Linked statement

“Parks Canada is updating its services so they last and give Canadians good value. This change means making some adjustments, but Parks Canada will still protect nature and serve visitors. It will keep working with its partners in the Gaspé region.”

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Parks Canada is currently modernizing its programs and services to ensure their long-term sustainability and provide the best value to Canadians. This transition period will result in adjustments. Parks Canada will continue to deliver on its mandate for conservation, visitor services and the protection of sites under its care. Parks Canada will continue to work with its partners, including those in the Gaspé, to advance initiatives that are important to the region, particularly the project—

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Marilène Gill

Bloc Québécois
“The government must stop cutting jobs at Parks Canada. Without wardens in the Mingan Archipelago, the closest ones will be 650 kilometres away. No one will be there to protect nature or stop poaching.”

  • Opposition question in Question Period

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    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the job cuts at Parks Canada will transform our protected areas. Imagine no longer having park wardens in the Mingan Archipelago. The closest ones will be 650 kilometres away. No one will be there to protect nature or stop poaching. Our hearts go out to the workers who are devastated by this news. They deserve transparency and time, not the Prime Minister’s bulldozer. The government needs to stop taking this penny-wise and pound-foolish approach, just to save a few bucks on the backs of these folks. Will he stop this injustice?

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Yasir Naqvi

Liberal
“We are modernizing Parks Canada so all Canadians can use its services. We will keep supporting it so it stays strong and makes Canadians proud.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

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  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Parks Canada is going through a process of modernization. We are making sure that the services provided by Parks Canada are available for all Canadians. That is why we will continue to make sure that Parks Canada remains viable. It is an important part of our institution. It is something that, all across the country, we get to enjoy. We will make sure that Parks Canada remains a source of pride for all Canadians.

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