Banff's 55-Year-Old Search and Rescue Dog Program Cut, MP Calls for Its Return

Yellowhead MP William Stevenson has launched a petition calling on the federal government to reverse Parks Canada's decision to discontinue its 55-year-old search and rescue dog program in Banff National Park.

The decision comes as Parks Canada undergoes nationwide restructuring under the federal government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review, which aims to reduce spending and streamline operations across government departments and agencies.

Although Parks Canada has confirmed that programs and services may be reduced or eliminated as part of the review, it has not publicly explained why Banff's search and rescue dog program was selected for cancellation.

Stevenson, whose riding includes Banff and much of the surrounding mountain region, is urging Ottawa to restore the specialized service, which has been used to locate missing people, assist in avalanche rescues and support emergency response operations.

His petition, Save Search and Rescue Dog Program, raises concerns about what the loss of the program could mean for public safety in Canada's mountain national parks.

"Eliminating this specialized capability could increase risks to both park visitors and rescue personnel, particularly during time-sensitive emergencies involving avalanches, extreme weather, and difficult terrain," the petition states.

More Than Five Decades of Search and Rescue

For more than 55 years, Parks Canada's search and rescue dog program has supported emergency response operations in Canada's mountain national parks.

According to the petition, the dogs have been particularly valuable during avalanche rescues, where they can help locate people buried beneath snow while reducing the time rescue personnel spend exposed to dangerous terrain.

The program has also assisted in locating missing individuals in remote wilderness areas and supported law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP.

One example highlighted in the petition is Leroy, Banff National Park's last search and rescue dog.

Over seven years of service, Leroy tracked 156 individuals and located 57 missing people, according to the petition.

He also assisted in avalanche rescues and helped recover human remains.

The petition points to Leroy's record as an example of the specialized capabilities that could be lost with the program's cancellation.

Stevenson Questions Decision in Parliament

Stevenson has also raised concerns about the program's cancellation in the House of Commons.

During a parliamentary exchange shared on his Instagram account, Stevenson highlighted Leroy's rescue record and questioned why the federal government was eliminating the program.

"This is a small team that is a huge impact to visitor safety," Stevenson told Parliament.

He also argued that trained search and rescue dogs can cover ground significantly faster than human rescuers.

"They are essential to the safety in our parks," he said.

Responding in Parliament, the parliamentary secretary for the minister responsible for Parks Canada emphasized the government's commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness.

"We need to continue to protect Canadians' nature, environment, and emergency preparedness," the parliamentary secretary said.

However, the response did not specifically address the decision to discontinue the search and rescue dog program.

Following the exchange, Stevenson reiterated his commitment to restoring the service.

"I'll keep using every tool available to me to fight for the reinstatement of this vital program in Banff National Park," he wrote on Instagram.

Why Is Parks Canada Making Cuts?

The cancellation comes amid broader efforts by Parks Canada to reduce spending and change how it delivers programs and services.

As previously reported by Bow Valley Insider, 536 Parks Canada employees across Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay national parks have received notices indicating their positions could change or be eliminated.

Nationwide, Parks Canada expects to reduce staffing by the equivalent of approximately 500 full-time positions, although it has not confirmed how many jobs will ultimately be eliminated locally.

In a statement provided to Bow Valley Insider, Parks Canada said it is reviewing operations and programs to identify activities that are underperforming, duplicating or outside its core responsibilities.

"By focusing our time and resources where they bring the greatest value, we will deliver our core mandate more sustainably," the agency said.

Parks Canada has also indicated that some locations could see changes to operating hours, fees, programs or services as the restructuring continues.

However, the agency has not provided a specific explanation for discontinuing Banff's search and rescue dog program or confirmed whether alternative canine rescue resources will be available.

What Happens Next?

Stevenson's petition calls on the federal government to immediately reverse the decision to discontinue Banff's search and rescue dog program.

It also asks Ottawa to restore and maintain dedicated canine search and rescue capabilities throughout Canada's mountain national parks.

Stevenson is encouraging Canadians to support the petition as he continues pushing for the program's reinstatement.

It remains unclear whether Parks Canada will reconsider its decision or what resources, if any, will replace the specialized canine service.