Federal Cuts Put Hundreds of Mountain Park Jobs Under Review

More than 500 Parks Canada employees working across Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay national parks have been notified that their positions could change or be eliminated as the agency moves ahead with staffing cuts.

In a statement to Bow Valley Insider, Parks Canada confirmed that 536 employees across three mountain park field units have received notices.

That includes 194 employees in the Banff Field Unit, 208 in Jasper and 134 in the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit.

The notices are part of nationwide staffing changes, with 2,917 Parks Canada employees receiving letters as the agency entered its second round of workforce adjustments on Oct. 20.

What Do the Notices Mean for Employees?

Although hundreds of employees have received notices, Parks Canada emphasized that they do not necessarily mean workers will lose their jobs.

"As the organization identifies areas of activities being stopped or reduced, some positions will remain as they are, some will change, and some will be eliminated," Parks Canada said.

The agency expects to reduce staffing by the equivalent of approximately 500 full-time positions nationwide but has not confirmed how many jobs will be eliminated locally.

For some employees in Banff and Jasper, potential job losses could also affect their ability to remain in those communities.

Krysty Thomas, regional executive vice-president for the Prairie Region of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), said workers have raised concerns about both employment and housing.

"There's lots of concerns, anxiety, frustrations," Thomas told Bow Valley Insider.

"A lot of folks too, like it's not only their jobs, it is also, you know, their homes."

Both Banff and Jasper have rules requiring residents to demonstrate a need to live in the national park communities. Employees whose eligibility is tied to their jobs could therefore face additional housing uncertainty if their positions are eliminated.

Thomas said the situation is particularly concerning in Jasper, where residents are still recovering from the 2024 wildfire.

"They've been working really hard to rebuild the community as well as support Parks Canada, but then, you know, they may lose their job and they may lose the ability to live and work in the community," she said.

Which Parks Canada Jobs Are Being Cut?

Parks Canada has not confirmed which positions will be eliminated in Banff or the surrounding national parks.

The agency said the changes will affect different types of jobs but that it will not provide a breakdown by department or occupation until the review is complete.

Thomas said the union has also received limited information about which positions or services will be affected, despite ongoing discussions with Parks Canada.

She said the lack of clarity has contributed to anxiety among employees waiting to learn whether their jobs will remain unchanged, be modified or eliminated.

"You know, not to know if you have a job in the next month or two without a proper plan in place," Thomas said.

The workforce adjustment process includes options that may allow some employees to leave voluntarily or exchange positions with colleagues who would prefer to leave, according to the Union of National Employees' Parks Corner resource.

Thomas also raised concerns that the number of workers leaving Parks Canada could exceed the agency's projected reduction of approximately 500 full-time equivalent positions.

She said seasonal and temporary employees whose contracts are not renewed could also be affected, although the number of potential non-renewals has not been confirmed.

What Could the Cuts Mean for Visitors?

Parks Canada's 2026-27 Departmental Plan outlines spending reductions of approximately $24.6 million this fiscal year, increasing to $75 million annually by 2028-29.

The agency plans to reduce costs by simplifying internal operations and potentially scaling back some visitor education programs, outreach activities and camping services.

However, Parks Canada has not confirmed whether any of these changes will affect Banff, Jasper, Yoho or Kootenay national parks.

"At some locations, operating hours, fees, programs, or services may look different as resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact," Parks Canada said.

The agency maintained that protecting national parks and providing safe visitor experiences remain priorities.

Thomas said the union is concerned about how staffing reductions could affect visitor services, particularly following another summer of free admission through the federal government's Canada Strong Pass program, which also offered discounts on camping and overnight accommodations.

"We want to make Canadian parks accessible," she said.

"We believe in that, but it shouldn't come at the expense, you know, of the workers and services."

Why Is Parks Canada Reducing Its Workforce?

The staffing changes are part of the federal government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review, an effort to reduce spending across government departments and agencies.

Parks Canada plans to reduce spending by approximately $145 million over three fiscal years, with annual reductions growing from $24.6 million in 2026-27 to $75 million by 2028-29.

The agency says the changes will help reduce costs, improve how it operates and focus spending on its main responsibilities.

Parks Canada said it also plans to give staff working in national parks a greater role in local decision-making.

Thomas said the union recognizes that governments sometimes face difficult financial decisions but believes employees and their representatives should have a greater say in the process.

She also raised concerns about losing experienced staff, including through voluntary departures.

"These jobs are folks who've been dedicating their whole careers to these particular tasks," she said.

What Happens Next?

Parks Canada said decisions about positions currently under review will be made over the coming weeks.

The changes will be introduced gradually, beginning this fall and continuing through winter 2026-27.

The agency said it is still working out how individual departments and teams will be organized.

"All employees whose positions are directly impacted by the decisions being implemented at this time have already been informed, and Parks Canada is committed to supporting them through this transition," Parks Canada said.

The Union of National Employees is scheduled to hold an online town hall for Parks Canada members on Oct. 28 to provide updates and answer questions.

For now, Parks Canada has not confirmed how many jobs will ultimately be eliminated in Banff and the surrounding national parks or whether local visitor services will change.