A new approach to funding the establishment and management of new Parks Canada protected areas is urgently needed to deliver on the federal government’s signature commitment to create 10 new national parks, 14 national marine conservation areas (NMCAs), and 15 national urban parks by 2030, in partnership with Indigenous Nations. This commitment is the biggest single opportunity the federal government has to contribute directly to protecting 30% of land and ocean by 2030, in partnership with Indigenous governments.
While funding has been allocated to advance park proposals through the feasibility phase, funding to establish and manage these parks with Indigenous partners once negotiations are complete is not confirmed. Currently, Parks Canada must go back to central agencies to seek establishment and management funding every time they complete negotiations for a new park or conservation area with Indigenous and provincial/territorial governments. This is not only inefficient, it also leads to delays in establishing these areas, putting at risk relationships built over many years with Indigenous governments and other partners.
Canada’s national parks have been a source of pride for Canadians and a top symbol of national identity for almost 140 years. Parks Canada’s protected areas system serves a critical role in protecting nature, providing clean air and water to Canadians, and supporting Canadians’ health and well-being by providing opportunities for respite from busy, urban lives. Establishing and stewarding these areas in partnership with Indigenous governments contributes to reconciliation, self determination, and resilient local economies, particularly in rural and remote communities. For example, a recent government study showed that in 2022-23 every dollar spent by Parks Canada resulted in a 4.2 dollar contribution to Canada’s GDP, and that Parks Canada and resultant visitor spending supported 38,000 full time equivalent jobs across Canada.
Earmarking dedicated funding now that Parks Canada can access on an “as needed” basis when feasibility studies for new parks are completed would assure potential partners that the federal government is negotiating in good faith, encourage provinces and territories to get on board, and speed up delivery on this commitment so that these protected areas can contribute to Canada’s flagship 30% by 2030 land and ocean protection commitments.
Recommended Investment:
$675 million over five years and then $400 million per year ongoing to establish and manage the promised 10 new national parks, 14 new NMCAs, and 15 new National Urban Parks, in partnership with Indigenous Nations. (Targets 3, 12, 22) [PC]