Departmental Results Report
2021–22
Supplementary Information
Table of contents
- Raison d’être
- Mandate and role
- Operating context
- Supplementary Information Tables
- Reporting on Green Procurement
- Details on transfer payment programs
- General Class Contribution Program
- Support to The Great Trail
- Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada
- Grant to the International Peace Garden
- Grant to implement the establishment agreement related to Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve
- Inuit Research Fund
- National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places
- Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Stewardship Program Seed Fund
- Work placements through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
- Gender-based analysis plus
- Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
Raison d’être
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is responsible for the Parks Canada Agency. Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations. Canada’s national urban park, national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas, of which Parks Canada is the proud steward, offer Canadians opportunities to visit, experience and personally connect with Canada’s rich natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them. In carrying out its responsibilities, Parks Canada works in collaboration with the public, other federal departments, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples and stakeholders.
Mandate and role
On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.
For more information on the Agency’s organizational mandate letter commitments, see the Minister’s mandate letter.
Operating context
Parks Canada has operations across Canada. With responsibility for the management and administration of 171 national historic sites, including nine historic canals, 47 national parks, Rouge National Urban Park, and five national marine conservation areas.
As a highly operational organization, Parks Canada’s workforce is its strength and its employees are active in communities from coast to coast to coast. At peak season—between May and October—Parks Canada employs approximately 8,000 active employees, including over 3,600 temporary employees (terms, seasonal, and casuals) and approximately 1,800 students.
In addition to the corporate functions found in many other federal departments or agencies, Parks Canada employs individuals in various fields of work, such as ecosystem scientists, archaeologists, lock operators, interpreters, asset managers, community managers, wardens, planners, historians, and maintenance workers, among others. This wide variety of functions combined with Parks Canada’s geographically dispersed work locations and its substantial seasonal employee base creates a unique human resources environment for the organization.
National historic sites, national parks, national urban parks, and national marine conservation areas represent the very best of Canada. These treasured places are where Parks works to tell the diverse stories of Canada and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
The role of protected areas in halting biodiversity loss and supporting adaptation to climate is recognized both domestically and internationally. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed $2.3 billion over five years in Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy. This initiative will continue supporting nature conservation measures across the country, including Indigenous leadership in conservation. Internationally, in November 2021, Parks Canada joined other parks organizations in a call to world leaders, and signed the Protected and Conserved Areas Joint Statement on Climate Change and Biodiversity Crises.
Parks Canada in 2021-22 System overview — Text version
Parks Canada in 2021-22
- 450,000km2 protected by Parks Canada
- 171 National Historic Sites
- 47 National Parks
- 5 National Marine Conservation Areas
- 1 National Urban Park
Canada’s Enhance Nature Legacy
Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy is a continuation of the $1.3 billion invested in nature conservation, known as A Nature Legacy for Canada. Through this investment, along with the investment of $53.6M to support Canada’s marine conservation targets and the investment of $52.5M to enhance wildlife resilience in Parks Canada places, Parks Canada will continue to support nature conservation by:
- establishing new national parks and national marine conservation areas
- enhancing current and co-developing with Indigenous partners new Indigenous Guardians programs that align with Parks Canada administered places
- working with others to create a network of national urban parks and designate ecological corridors
- effectively managing for ecological integrity to support biodiversity, and
- supporting the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in Jasper National Park
- enhancing wildfire resilience of federal Crown lands and adjacent communities.
The Government of Canada is also committed to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Parks Canada demonstrates leadership both nationally and internationally in its relations with Indigenous partners, working with hundreds of Indigenous communities across the country in the management of Parks Canada’s heritage places. There are currently more than 30 formal collaborative arrangements between Parks Canada and Indigenous partners. Of those places, 28 have cooperative management structures where Indigenous peoples influence decision-making. Parks Canada is committed to reconciliation and will continue to work with Indigenous partners to advance arrangements with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities for decision-making roles in the management of heritage places.
The support and collaboration of Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities, as well as provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, are essential to Parks Canada’s ability to establish or expand national parks, national urban parks, and national marine conservation areas. The requirement to balance protection and ecologically sustainable use of national marine conservation areas involves a much broader stakeholder perspective to consider. Bringing together all of these elements and moving forward in a harmonious and positive way requires time and respectful discourse.
Environmental forces
Parks Canada’s heritage places are impacted by environmental forces including changes to:
- climate (e.g., increasing temperatures, changing precipitations, extreme wildfires and weather events)
- physical environment (e.g., air quality, water quality, ocean acidification, sea level rise, glacier retreat, habitat loss and fragmentation)
- biodiversity (e.g., ecosystem processes, increased number of species at risk, hyper abundant species and invasive species)
Climate change and other environmental forces challenge the integrity of ecosystems and the condition of Parks Canada’s cultural resources and contemporary infrastructure. Shoreline erosion at national historic sites, the arrival of invasive species at national parks, impacts on biodiversity, and the shrinking populations of species unable to adapt to variations in the ecosystems are a few examples of the effects of climate change. The increasing severity and frequency of disturbances such as wildfires, storms, floods, and avalanches also impact Parks Canada’s infrastructure, such as highways and bridges.
Parks Canada must protect its cultural and natural heritage places while encouraging visitation to ensure that these special places remain relevant in the hearts and minds of Canadians. As a world leader in conservation and in preserving the ecological integrity and cultural resources of its places for future generations, Parks Canada works to better manage visitation at locations that experience higher visitation rates, while continuing to ensure high-quality visitor experiences. To lessen impact, Parks Canada encourages visitors to seek out lesser-known parks and historic sites, enjoy little-known hidden gems, and explore shoulder season experiences in spring and fall.
Parks Canada welcomes more than 20 million visitors to national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas every year. This work not only helps Canadians to experience and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of Canada, but it also helps to support local economies and the tourism industry. As Canada’s tourism sector recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parks Canada’s role in welcoming visitors and providing rewarding experiences will be an important contributor to tourism recovery.
There are seven townsite communities in national parks, all located in western Canada. These townsites represent unique opportunities to demonstrate the overriding values of ecological integrity, environmental citizenship, and sustainable development. They provide visitors with opportunities to learn and develop personal connections to natural and cultural heritage from the comfort of a community and provide a launching pad for deeper ventures into national parks. They support ecological integrity by consolidating use and development to relatively small areas. National park townsite communities manage development in accordance with community plans and legislation; respecting their cultural and historical aspects and the ecological integrity of the surrounding park. In Banff and Jasper, commercial development limits are also used to manage growth along with eligible residency and fixed boundaries.
Using technology to improve visitor services
Parks Canada uses technology in a variety of ways to improve visitor services:
- reaching Canadians where they live and work through digital channels (web, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter);
- ensuring digital services for trip planning, purchasing admission and reserving accommodation; and,
- influencing visitation patterns: sharing visitor safety information and trail maps, promoting Canada’s heritage and conservation at the right time and with the right message.
Canada’s population is evolving. It is expected to become more culturally diverse over the next two decades as Canada continues to rely increasingly on immigration to support population growth and offset natural declines. With demographic changes and the rise of digital communications, the ways in which we tell stories and absorb information are being transformed. Parks Canada uses a wide variety of digital tools to complement the delivery of in-person services at natural heritage places and outreach programs in communities. Canadians can experience national historic sites, national marine conservation areas, and national parks through virtual tools and can also get behind the scenes with Parks Canada conservation specialists and other experts as they conduct their important work.
As the federal lead for cultural heritage places conservation, Parks Canada administers federal heritage designation and built heritage conservation programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. Federal custodian departments, Crown corporations, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and the broader heritage community play a major role in preserving Canada’s heritage places. Historic places are currently managed by policy frameworks, including the Standard and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada and Treasury Board policies. Work is currently underway to strengthen the protection of these nationally significant cultural heritage places. Protection of federally-owned historic places should be done in a manner that fosters their reuse and adaptation to climate change, contributing to a green and sustainable future for Canadians.
The need to better protect federal heritage properties and to strengthen heritage conservation and protection across Canada has been highlighted several times in recent years, including in the December 2021 mandate letter for the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the November 2018 Auditor General’s report, and the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development’s December 2017 report. The recommendations include the integration of Indigenous perspectives, better policy and legislative measures, and financial incentives. Parks Canada is working towards addressing the findings from these reports.
Parks Canada manages a complex portfolio of assets valued at approximately $26.6 billion (in 2021 dollars). The portfolio includes irreplaceable heritage structures, such as historic buildings, fortifications, historic canals, lighthouses, and Indigenous fish weirs, as well as contemporary buildings, highways, bridges, dams, and other holdings. Highways maintained by Parks Canada serve as critical socio-economic corridors enabling the flow of people and commercial goods. Along with heritage canals, highways additionally serve as vital links connecting Canadian communities.
Tracking the portfolio of built assets
Parks Canada continues to make progress on improving its infrastructure. In its 2021-22 Asset Report Card, 69% of the Agency’s built assets (by current replacement value) are in good to fair condition, compared to 68% the previous year.
Annual variations in the total built asset inventory are influenced by factors such as the establishment of new parks and sites (e.g., Rouge National Urban Park resulted in the addition of 375 assets)
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Parks Canada’s asset portfolio is essential to the delivery of its mandate and to ensure that it can meet its custodial responsibilities on behalf of the Government of Canada. Among the recommendations of the Treasury Board Secretariat’s recent Horizontal Fixed Asset Review was the requirement for organizations to develop Real Property Portfolio Strategies (RPPS) that define an approach for maintaining a sustainable asset portfolio. Approved in 2021, Parks Canada’s RPPS establishes the long-term strategic direction and priorities for its real property portfolio to help direct investments and manage our capital assets sustainably and appropriately. The lack of sufficient ongoing funding to maintain its built heritage and contemporary assets puts the Agency at risk of not being able to deliver its mandate and of losing significant and irreplaceable examples of Canada’s cultural and built heritage.
The lack of sufficient ongoing funding to maintain its built heritage and contemporary assets puts Parks Canada at risk of not being able to deliver its mandate and of losing significant and irreplaceable examples of Canada’s cultural and built heritage. Furthermore, Parks Canada’s commitment to addressing government priorities for ensuring the accessibility and inclusiveness of its places for visitors, and for supporting the resiliency of its asset portfolio against the effects of climate change, places additional strain on existing resources and the Agency’s capacity to deliver and evolve Parks Canada’s programs and services. As such, efforts to make a long-term business case for ongoing funding remain a central priority for Parks Canada.
Supplementary Information Tables
Reporting on Green Procurement
This supplementary information table supports reporting on green procurement activities in accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement.
Context
Parks Canada is bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and was required to develop a 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). Parks Canada has developed its corresponding 2021–22 DSDS Report, including applicable reporting on green procurement activities. This report can be found on Parks Canada’s website.
Details on transfer payment programs
Details on transfer payment programs with total planned spending of $5 million or more
General Class Grants and Contributions Program (GCCP)
Start date
1995-96
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grant and Contribution
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2021-22
Link to departmental result(s)
- Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
- Canada’s cultural heritage is protected for present and future generations
- People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
- Program: Heritage Places Establishment
- Program: Heritage Places Conservation
- Program: Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support
- Program: Visitor Experience
- Program: Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsite Management
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The objective of the program is to assist recipients in conducting activities and delivering projects that will support the Agency in fulfilling its mandate to preserve and protect nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and present and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.
Results achieved
Projects under the General Class Grant and Contribution Program achieved one or more of the following results:
- Canadians recognize, appreciate and are engaged in the values of natural and cultural conservation.
- Stakeholders are engaged in terms of interest and involvement of common objectives towards ecological or cultural integrity.
- Parks Canada managers, partners and stakeholders have access to a better knowledge base for informed decision-making and dialogue on commercial, ecological or indigenous issues of mutual interest.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 196,000 | 196,000 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 16,939,187 | 15,364,410 | 21,647,421 | 58,218,206 | 44,311,650 | -22,664,229 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 16,939,187 | 15,364,410 | 21,647,421 | 58,414,206 | 44,507,650 | -22,664,229 |
| Explanation of variances | Additional funding received through 2021–22 Supplementary Estimates and unspent funds from 2020–21 were transferred for use in 2021–22. | |||||
Support to The Great Trail
Start date
2018-19
End date
2021-22
Type of transfer payment
Contribution
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2018-19
Link to departmental result(s)
People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Visitor Experience
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The contribution is to enhance, maintain and improve the Great Trail, a national network of multi-use recreational trails that links 15,000 communities and spans 24,400 kilometres. The emphasis is on optimizing user experience and accessibility, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Results achieved
Support to The Great Trail achieved one or more of the following results:
- The Great Trail is safe and accessible for trail users;
- The Great Trail is enhanced through linkages with Indigenous communities and other trail networks;
- Canadians are aware of The Great Trail and are inspired to discover their natural heritage.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | 0 |
| Explanation of variances | Not applicable | |||||
Transfer Payment Programs with total planned spending of less than $5 million
Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada
Start date
2019-20
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to departmental result(s)
Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
Canada’s cultural heritage is protected for present and future generations
People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Conservation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The objectives of these grants are 1) to support the Rights and Reconciliation Agreements signed by Parks Canada and the Indigenous Nations included in the Historic Peace and Friendship Treaties in Atlantic Canada (the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati Nations), 2) build capacity in Indigenous communities to participate with Parks Canada as co-managers of National Parks and National Historic Sites, 3) foster re-connection with the lands through traditional stewardship practices and 4) protect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati culture and heritage.
Results achieved
Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada achieved one or more of the following results:
- support the Rights and Reconciliation Agreements signed by Parks Canada and the Indigenous Nations included in the Historic Peace and Friendship Treaties in Atlantic Canada (the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati Nations),
- build capacity in Indigenous communities to participate with Parks Canada as co-managers of National Parks and National Historic Sites,
- foster re-connection with the lands through traditional stewardship practices and
- protect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati culture and heritage.
Findings of audits completed in
2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
Start date
2019-20
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to departmental result(s)
Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
Canada’s cultural heritage is protected for present and future generations
People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Conservation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The objectives of these grants are 1) to support the Rights and Reconciliation Agreements signed by Parks Canada and the Indigenous Nations included in the Historic Peace and Friendship Treaties in Atlantic Canada (the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati Nations), 2) build capacity in Indigenous communities to participate with Parks Canada as co-managers of National Parks and National Historic Sites, 3) foster re-connection with the lands through traditional stewardship practices and 4) protect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati culture and heritage.
Results achieved
Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada achieved one or more of the following results:
- support the Rights and Reconciliation Agreements signed by Parks Canada and the Indigenous Nations included in the Historic Peace and Friendship Treaties in Atlantic Canada (the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati Nations),
- build capacity in Indigenous communities to participate with Parks Canada as co-managers of National Parks and National Historic Sites,
- foster re-connection with the lands through traditional stewardship practices and
- protect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati culture and heritage.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 4,090,400 | 8,185,100 | 0 | -4,090,400 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 4,090,400 | 8,185,100 | 0 | -4,090,400 |
| Explanation of variances | Activity postponed to 2022-23. | |||||
Grant to the International Peace Garden
Start date
1996-97
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2011-12
Link to departmental result(s)
Canada’s cultural heritage is protected for present and future generations
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Conservation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The purpose of this grant is to support the International Peace Garden, a memorial to the peace that has existed between the United States and Canada, located in Manitoba and North Dakota. The objective of the grant is to help defray the costs of operating the International Peace Garden.
Results achieved
Canada’s continued symbolic support for the Garden was demonstrated.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 22,700 | 0 |
| Explanation of variances | Not applicable. | |||||
Grant to implement the establishment agreement related to Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve
Start date
2021-22
End date
2025-26
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2021-22
Link to departmental result(s)
- Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
- People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Establishment
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The purpose of this grant is to fulfill a commitment made to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation as it relates to the establishment agreement for Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve. The Yellowknives Dene will use this funding to develop a tourism strategy related to Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve and address tourism impacts along the boat route typically travelled to the park reserve. It will also allow them to help prepare their membership to benefit from future jobs related to tourism and conservation through the establishment of a scholarship fund.
Results achieved
Expanded the economic opportunities and participation of the Yellowknives Dene in tourism activities and allowed them to interpret and protect culturally important and traditional sites.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | -1,750,000 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | -,1,750,000 |
| Explanation of variances | Additional funding was received through 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates. | |||||
Inuit Research Fund
Start date
2020-21
End date
2025-26
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to departmental result(s)
- Canada’s natural heritage is protected for future generations
- People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Establishment
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The purpose of this grant is to fulfill a commitment made in the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) regarding benefits and economic opportunities stemming from the establishment, development and operation of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area. The objective is to provide for Inuit led research and monitoring in Tallurutiup Imanga, and to support the development of an Inuit Research and Monitoring Plan.
Results achieved
The Inuit Research Fund develops research capacity for Inuit to ensure that they will be able to identify and conduct research according to their own priorities. Inuit research and priorities are valued equally as Western science in research and monitoring for Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 0 |
| Explanation of variances | Not applicable. | |||||
National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places
Start date
2008-09
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contribution
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2016-17
Link to departmental result(s)
Canada’s cultural heritage is protected for present and future generations
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Conservation
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The Program assists recipients in conducting activities aimed at ensuring the heritage value of non-federally owned or administered heritage places that have been formally recognized by the Government of Canada. It provides financial contributions to eligible recipients to share the costs of work necessary to ensure the physical health of a heritage place and to ensure Canadians understand the importance of the site and its role in the history of Canada.
Results achieved
Cultural resources of national significance at heritage places recognized by the Government of Canada were maintained or improved.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
- Promotion and outreach through internal national networks across the Agency to inform potential applicants and recipients;
- Communication with the Federal Provincial-Territorial Collaboration on Historic Places in Canada and targeted heritage organizations/stakeholders to promote the program;
- Information shared via different social media channels and web presence on the Parks Canada website (www.pc.gc.ca) and www.historicplaces.ca; and
- Direct correspondence to inform newly eligible site owners;
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 1,000,000 | 967,759 | 1,000,000 | 954,105 | 954,105 | -45,895 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 1,000,000 | 967,759 | 1,000,000 | 954,105 | 954,105 | -45,895 |
| Explanation of variances | Not applicable. | |||||
Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Stewardship Program Seed Fund
Start date
2019-20
End date
2025-26
Type of transfer payment
Grant
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to departmental result(s)
- Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
- People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Establishment
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The purpose of this grant is to fulfill a commitment made in the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) regarding benefits and economic opportunities stemming from the establishment, development and operation of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (TINMCA). The objective is to cover the start-up cost of an Inuit Stewardship program in the five communities associated with TINMCA. The program will support stewardship activities of Inuit within Tallurutiup Imanga that will make valuable contributions to the promotion of Inuit culture, well-being, the transmission of knowledge to youth, and the delivery of Inuit cultural, social, economic, health and conservation benefits.
Results achieved
The Stewardship Program supports Inuit involvement in conservation economy and collaborative management of Canada’s Natural and Cultural Heritage.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 2,927,088 | 2,400,000 | 3,100,000 | 3,100,000 | 3,100,000 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 2,927,088 | 2,400,000 | 3,100,000 | 3,100,000 | 3,100,000 | 0 |
| Explanation of variances | Not applicable. | |||||
Work placements through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
Start date
2019-20
End date
2025-26
Type of transfer payment
Contribution
Type of appropriation
Appropriated annually through estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to departmental result(s)
- Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations
- People connect to and experience Canada’s natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them
Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Program: Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
To provide Canadian youth, with information, skills, supports, work experience and networks to help them prepare for and successfully transition to employment. These objectives are attained by supporting the needs of all youth, especially youth facing barriers to develop skills, knowledge and networks through education, skills development and meaningful work experiences.
Results achieved
A greater number of Canadian Youth were provided with meaningful employment as well as obtaining additional work skills.
Findings of audits completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22
Not applicable
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22
Not applicable
| Type of transfer payment | 2019–20 Actual spending | 2020–21 Actual spending | 2021–22 Planned spending | 2021–22 Total authorities available for use | 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19,394,986 | 19,394,986 | -19,394,986 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19,394,986 | 19,394,986 | -19,394,986 |
| Explanation of variances | Additional funding received through 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates | |||||
Gender-based analysis plus
Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus Capacity
As an operating agency of the Government of Canada, Parks Canada seeks to adopt an inclusive lens when developing policies and implementing programs to continuously improve its services to Canadians. Parks Canada also aims to remove barriers to the use and enjoyment of national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas and strives to make inclusion and accessibility fundamental principles in the development and delivery of its visitor services and experiences.
During 2021–22, Parks Canada continued advancing GBA Plus commitments across the organization.
Training
In 2021–22, the course Introduction to GBA Plus was made mandatory for executives and managers at Parks Canada. Employees across the organization are also encouraged to complete this course to better support the implementation of GBA Plus into the development, implementation and monitoring of Parks Canada’s policies, programs and initiatives.
Evaluation
In 2021–22, Parks Canada applied a GBA Plus lens to its evaluation of its General Class Contribution Program. This evaluation sought to examine how this program’s processes impacted different recipient groups, including Indigenous governments and organizations. The final report outlining findings and recommendations will be published in 2022–23 and will support the Agency in its efforts to identify GBA Plus data gaps and further develop inclusive and equitable processes.
Capacity Building
Raising awareness on best practices is critical for the continuous success of GBA Plus implementation across Parks Canada. In 2021–22, Parks Canada’s GBA Plus team organized numerous events to bring awareness about GBA Plus best practices both within and outside the organization. For example, a guest speaker from the Montreal Science Centre presented how the organization integrated GBA Plus considerations in the development of their Mini Mondo exhibit, with the overarching goal to create an inclusive experience that is representative of many diverse families.
This year Parks Canada also continued promoting the use of the suite of strengthened GBA Plus guidance tools (e.g. a step-by-step guide, compendium and quick reference guide) developed by the Department of Women and Gender Equality through several virtual presentations.
Parks Canada also undertook two major GBA Plus projects this year. Information about these projects can be found in Parks Canada’s 2021-22 Departmental Results Report under the heading Gender-based analysis plus.
Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by Program
Core Responsibility: Protecting and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage
Program Name: Heritage Places Establishment
Target Population
All Canadians.
Distribution of Benefits
| First group | Second group | Third group | Fourth group | Fifth group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By gender | Men | X | Women | ||||
| By income level | Low | X | High |
| First group | Second group | Third group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | Youth | X | Senior |
Other Key Program impacts on gender and diversity
The General Class Contribution Program (GCCP) contribution agreements supports all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Places Establishment Program, the two largest recipients by number of signed agreements in 2021-22 were Indigenous recipients and non-for-profit organization and charities. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in Ontario and Northwest Territories.
Starting in 2022–23, the GCCP is exploring the opportunity to further disaggregate data based on geographic distribution (rural and remote communities) to measure differential program impact and support program improvements.
Supplementary Information Sources
General Class Contribution Program Data.
GBA Plus Data Collection Plan
In 2021–22, Parks Canada initiated a process to conduct a comprehensive review of its Program Inventory in 2022–23, including a review of program descriptions, expected results statements, performance indicators and methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.
While Parks Canada has been conducting assessment of differential impact of its programs, the proposed review aims to formally monitored impact on gender and diversity by program though the Program Information Profile mechanism. This comprehensive review is expected to be finalized by 2023–24, and will address current gap between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.
Program Name: Heritage Places Conservation Program
Target Population
All Canadians.
Distribution of Benefits
| First group | Second group | Third group | Fourth group | Fifth group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By gender | Men | X | Women | ||||
| By income level | Low | X | High |
| First group | Second group | Third group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | Youth | X | Senior |
Other Key Program impacts on gender and diversity
Parks Canada’s National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places Conservation helps ensure the protection of heritage places that have been formally recognized but are not administrated by the Government of Canada.
In 2021–22, about 60% of active recipients were local non-for profit organizations. In 2022–23, special consideration will also be given to projects that seek to better represent the diversity and complexity of Canadian history, address the effects of climate change, or advance accessibility or inclusion at heritage places. As a pilot project in this round of funding and to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts at heritage places of importance to Indigenous peoples and to address current barriers to Indigenous recipients, projects which do not fully meet the normal program requirements may be considered.
Supplementary Information Sources
Program Data.
GBA Plus Data Collection Plan
In 2021–22, Parks Canada initiated a process to conduct a comprehensive review of its Program Inventory in 2022–23, including a review of program descriptions, expected results statements, performance indicators and methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.
While Parks Canada has been conducting assessment of differentiated impact of its programs, the proposed review aims to formally monitored impact on gender and diversity by program though the Program Information Profile mechanism. This comprehensive review is expected to be finalized by 2023–24, and will address current gap between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.
Program Name: Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support
Target Population
All Canadians, tourism industry, multiple groups.
Distribution of Benefits
| First group | Second group | Third group | Fourth group | Fifth group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By gender | Men | X | Women | ||||
| By income level | Low | X | High |
| First group | Second group | Third group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | Youth | X | Senior |
Other Key Program impacts on gender and diversity
The General Class Contribution Program (GCCP) contribution agreements supports all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support, the two largest recipients by number of signed agreements in 2021–22 were non-for-profit organization and charities, and Indigenous recipients. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
Starting in 2022–23, the GCCP is exploring the opportunity to further disaggregate data based on geographic distribution (rural and remote communities) to measure differential program impact and support program improvements.
Supplementary Information Sources
General Class Contribution Program Data.
GBA Plus Data Collection Plan
In 2021–22, Parks Canada initiated a process to conduct a comprehensive review of its Program Inventory in 2022–23, including a review of program descriptions, expected results statements, performance indicators and methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.
While Parks Canada has been conducting assessment of differential impact of its programs, the proposed review aims to formally monitored impact on gender and diversity by program though the Program Information Profile mechanism. This comprehensive review is expected to be finalized by 2023–24, and will address current gap between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.
Program Name: Visitor Experience
Target Population
All Canadians.
Distribution of Benefits
| First group | Second group | Third group | Fourth group | Fifth group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By gender | Men | X | Women | ||||
| By income level | Low | X | High |
| First group | Second group | Third group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | Youth | X | Senior |
Other Key Program impacts on gender and diversity
The Learn to Camp Initiative within the Visitor Experience Program aims to remove barriers to enjoying Canada’s protected areas by developing activities targeted at families with young children and new Canadians living in urban centres.
In 2020–21 and 2021–22, hybrid (in-person and online) Learn to Camp programming had reached 23,800 participants and delivery of digital products such as videos, podcasts, digital workshops, and social media posts reached an estimated audience of 750,000 with awareness, engagement, and some skills transfer.
Parks Canada is exploring the possibility to collect new data from participants who take part in all activities that require registration to measure differential impact. Starting in 2022–23, data would be collected at the end of the activity through the Participant Experience Survey. This disaggregated data would allow Parks Canada to measure the differential and disproportionate impacts, if any, of the Learn to Camp initiative on different groups of people.
Supplementary Information Sources
Program data.
GBA Plus Data Collection Plan
In 2021–22, Parks Canada initiated a process to conduct a comprehensive review of its Program Inventory in 2022–23, including a review of program descriptions, expected results statements, performance indicators and methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.
While Parks Canada has been conducting assessment of differential impact of its programs, the proposed review aims to formally monitored impact on gender and diversity by program though the Program Information Profile mechanism. This comprehensive review is expected to be finalized by 2023–24, and will address current gap between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.
In addition, starting 2022–23, Parks Canada will be further disaggregating datasets to measure Visitor Experience Program’s impact by differential factors. Data for the 2022–23 season will be used to identify differential impacts, if applicable, and results will be used to support program improvements.
Program Name: Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsites Management
Target Population
All Canadians.
Distribution of Benefits
| First group | Second group | Third group | Fourth group | Fifth group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By gender | Men | X | Women | ||||
| By income level | Low | X | High |
| First group | Second group | Third group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By age group | Youth | X | Senior |
Other Key Program impacts on gender and diversity
The Townsite Management within the Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsites Management Program provides community planning and management of commercial growth in all seven townsites and provision of municipal services and related infrastructure in the five townsites directly managed by Parks Canada: Field (Yoho NP), Wasagaming (Riding Mountain NP), Waskesiu (Prince Albert NP), and Waterton (Waterton Lakes NP). Banff and Jasper are incorporated, self-governed municipalities but Parks Canada maintains some control over municipal planning in these areas.
Townsite Management direct impacts the townsite residents and business operators. Depending on the townsite, the population of year-round residents was estimated to range from about 150 people to more than 8,000 according to the latest Canadian Census (2021). The average townsites population distribution by gender is 49% woman and 51% men.
However, the majority of residential leaseholders in most of these areas are seasonal (non-permanent) residents. These seasonal populations are significantly larger but specific numbers are difficult to confirm.
Supplementary Information Sources
2021 Canadian Census, Statistics Canada
GBA Plus Data Collection Plan
In 2021–22, Parks Canada initiated a process to conduct a comprehensive review of its Program Inventory in 2022–23, including a review of program descriptions, expected results statements, performance indicators and methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.
While Parks Canada has been conducting assessment of differential impact of its programs, the proposed review aims to formally monitored impact on gender and diversity by program though the Program Information Profile mechanism. This comprehensive review is expected to be finalized by 2023-24, and will address current gap between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.
Definitions
Target Population
See Finance Canada website for more information
Gender Scale
- First group: Predominantly men (e.g. 80 per cent or more men)
- Second group: 60 per cent - 79 per cent men
- Third group: Broadly gender-balanced
- Fourth group: 60 per cent - 79 per cent women
- Fifth group: Predominantly women (e.g. 80 per cent or more women)
Income Level Scale
- First group: Strongly benefits low income individuals (Strongly progressive)
- Second group: Somewhat benefits low income individuals (Somewhat progressive)
- Third group: No significant distributional impacts
- Fourth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive)
- Fifth group: Strongly benefits high income individuals (Strongly regressive)
Age Group Scale
- First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations
- Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors
- Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation
Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
Response to parliamentary committees
There were no parliamentary committee reports requiring a response by Parks Canada in 2021-22.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
This audit by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development involved the examination of the 2017–20 departmental sustainable development strategies of 12 federal departments and agencies, including Parks Canada. This review focused on whether these federal departments and agencies contributed to meeting the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’s goals of healthy coasts and oceans, pristine lakes and rivers, and sustainable food, as applicable to each organization.
There were no recommendations for Parks Canada arising from this audit.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2021–22 requiring a response.
Organizational contact information
Parks Canada National Office
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
Canada
J8X 0B3
Telephone:888-773-8888 (General inquiries)
Telephone — international:819-420-9486 (General inquiries — international)
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