Supplementary information tables: 2024–25 Departmental results report

Raison d’être, mandate and role

Information about Parks Canada’s raison d’être, mandate and role and operating context is available on its website.

Details on transfer payment programs

Grants and contributions in support of activities or projects related to national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites and historic canals

Start date

Fiscal year 1995 to 1996

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant or Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021 to 2022

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 Parks Canada 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 Grants and contributions in support of activities or projects related to national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites and historic canals 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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable. The next evaluation for this transfer payment category is planned for fiscal year 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable

Financial information (dollars) - Grants and contributions in support of activities or projects related to national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites and historic canals
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	1,628,346	2,465,497	10,869,446	2,471,562	2,471,562	-8,397,884
Total contributions	53,607,838	74,686,561	64,281,183	86,630,720	86,630,720	22,349,537
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	55,236,184	77,152,058	75,150,629	89,102,282	89,102,282	13,951,653

Explanation of variances

Variance is due to internal reallocation of funds to advance results in support of activities or projects related to national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites and historic canals.

Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada

Start date

Fiscal year 2019 to 2020

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019 to 2020

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:

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)
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
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
protect Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Peskotomuhkati culture and heritage

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Grants for the Implementation of Rights and Reconciliation Agreements in Atlantic Canada
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	566,466	1,590,046	7,319,951	7,275,004	7,275,004	-44,947
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	566,466	1,590,046	7,319,951	7,275,004	7,275,004	-44,947

Explanation of variances

Requirements per final agreements were slightly lower than plans.

Grant to implement the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site

Start date

Fiscal year 2022 to 2023

End date

Fiscal year 2031 to 2032

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2022 to 2023

Link to departmental result(s)

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement provides a one-time grant ($6,900,000) in year one of the ten-year Agreement to the Kitikmeot Inuit Association for the establishment of the following three Kitikmeot Inuit Association programs: Inuit Scholarship Fund; Inuit Business Opportunities Fund; and Inuit Culture and Heritage Fund. These three funding programs are direct benefits to Inuit as laid out in Nunavut Agreement Schedule 8-3 Matters Appropriate for Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreements in Relations to Parks, specifically: 1) Inuit Training at all levels; 4) Scholarships; and 6) (a) Business opportunities including provision of seed capital.

Inuit Scholarship Fund ($500,000) which will be used to continue and expand their scholarship program to encourage and support Inuit students pursuing education at accredited post-secondary institutions related to training in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, cultural, social and natural sciences, tourism and business administration
Inuit Business Opportunities Fund ($4,500,000) will support, among other business-related expenses: hotel and bed and breakfast expansions or renovations; developing or improving transportation options and infrastructure; outfitting; provision of cultural programming, arts and crafts services; hospitability industry opportunities; start-up funding; and insurance
Inuit Culture and Heritage Fund ($1,900,000) which will provide Inuit with funds to pursue research related to Inuit history and the expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin (for example, Inuit knowledge and oral history, archival research, cultural resource management capacity) and develop Inuit cultural activities related to the shipwrecks (for example, Umiyaqtutt Festival)

Results achieved

Enhanced Inuit Scholarship Fund and provision of financial aid to Inuit students for post-secondary education.
Establishment of an Inuit Business Opportunities Fund and provision of seed capital to Inuit firms to realize economic benefits related to the establishment and operation of WET NHS
Establishment of an Inuit Cultural Heritage Fund to further Inuit-led research related to Inuit history and the expedition led by Captain Sir John Franklin and to develop and fund cultural activities with respect to the Site such as the Umiyaqtutt Festival in Gjoa Haven

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Grant to implement the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	6,900,000	0	0	0	0	0
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	6,900,000	0	0	0	0	0

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Grant to implement the Ndahecho Gondié Gháádé Agreement

Start date

Fiscal year 2022 to 2023

End date

When the funds will be exhausted.

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019 to 2020

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 component of the Ndahecho Gondié Gháádé Agreement with the Nahʔą Dehé Dene and Dehcho First Nations regarding benefits and economic opportunities from the establishment, expansion, development, and operation of Nahanni National Park Reserve. The objective of the grant component of the Ndahecho Gondié Gháádé Agreement is to contribute significantly to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by providing funding to: 1) support Nahʔą Dehé Dene members and businesses in offering tourism products and services in relation to Nahanni National Park Reserve and 2) provide a scholarship and capacity building fund for Nahʔą Dehé Dene and Dehcho First Nations members.

Results achieved

Enhanced participation of Nahʔą Dehé Dene members in tourism activities related to Nahanni National Park Reserve and increased direct and spin-off economic benefits in the Nahʔą Dehé Dene communities.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Grant to implement the Ndahecho Gondié Gháádé Agreement
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	7,000,000	0	0	0	0	0
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	7,000,000	0	0	0	0	0

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Grant to the International Peace Garden

Start date: Fiscal year 1996 to 1997
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through estimates.
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011 to 2012
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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025: Not applicable.
Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025: Not applicable.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025: Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Grant to the International Peace Garden
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)
Total grants	22,700	22,700	22,700	22,700	22,700
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	22,700	22,700	22,700	22,700	22,700

Explanation of variances

Inuit Research Fund

Start date

Fiscal year 2020 to 2021

End date

Fiscal year 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019 to 2020

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

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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Inuit Research Fund
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	0	1,657,000	0	0	0	0
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	0	1,657,000	0	0	0	0

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places

Start date

Fiscal year 2008 to 2009

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2022 to 2023

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 conserving the heritage value of non-federally owned or -administered heritage places formally recognized by the Government of Canada. It provides financial contributions to eligible recipients to share the cost 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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Promotion and outreach through internal national networks across Parks Canada to inform potential applicants and recipients
Communication with the Federal Provincial-Territorial Collaboration on Culture and Heritage 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
Direct correspondence to inform newly eligible site owners of the program’s existence

Financial information (dollars) - National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	0	0	300,000	0	0	-300,000
Total contributions	1,694,709	1,665,239	700,000	1,358,792	1,358,792	658,792
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	1,694,709	1,665,239	1,000,000	1,358,792	1,358,792	-358,792

Explanation of variances

Variance is due to internal reallocation of funds to advance the results of this program.

Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Stewardship Program Seed Fund

Start date

Fiscal year 2020 to 2021

End date

Fiscal year 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019 to 2020

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 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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Stewardship Program Seed Fund
Type of transfer payment	2022–23 actual spending	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)
Total grants	3,600,000	2,100,000	2,100,000	2,100,000	2,100,000
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	3,600,000	2,100,000	2,100,000	2,100,000	2,100,000

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Work placements through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Start date

Fiscal year 2019 to 2020

End date

Fiscal year 2025 to 2026

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Appropriated annually through estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019 to 2020

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 fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2024 to 2025

Not applicable.

Financial information (dollars) - Work placements through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
Type of transfer payment	2023–24 actual spending	2024–25 planned spending	2024–25 total authorities available for use	2024–25 actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2024–25 actual minus 2024–25 planned)
Total grants	0	0	0	0	0
Total contributions	3,770,000	3,770,000	3,758,864	3,758,864	-11,136
Total other transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	3,770,000	3,770,000	3,758,864	3,758,864	-11,136

Explanation of variances

Requirements per final contributions were slightly lower than plans.

Gender-based Analysis Plus

Section 1: institutional GBA Plus governance and capacity

Governance

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continued to carry its Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) commitments. Parks Canada activities are guided by the GBA Plus Action Plan, which includes a GBA Plus statement of intent, training and tools (see below training), “pilot” initiatives (see below GBA Plus Micro Funds) and a GBA Plus dedicated focal point (one FTE).

Training

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continues to track GBA Plus training through the Human Resources and Employee Wellness Directorate mandatory training dashboard. In fiscal year 2021 to 2022, Parks Canada made the course Introduction to GBA Plus mandatory for its executives and managers. In fiscal year 2022 to 2023, Parks Canada continued to encourage all staff members across the Agency to take the course and in fiscal year 2023 to 2024, a GBA Plus Training Blitz was organized to create momentum and encourage all employees to learn about GBA Plus.

Capacity

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada launched the second round of GBA Plus Micro Funds with two-fold objectives:

support Parks Canada teams in making evidence-based decisions to ensure that the products, services, processes, and policies that they develop do not inadvertently create barriers for the intended users or recipients
improve the ability of team members to integrate GBA Plus into their work

There were three Micro Funds funded initiatives in 2024 to 2025:

1. Interpretation Plan Review: This project involved hiring researchers to formally review the interpretation plan for a new visitor center. The review helped identify important knowledge gaps, including the history of Black communities connected to the area, recent demographic changes near the site, and the background of farm workers in the region.
2. Culture Club Initiative: Established in 2023, the Culture Club fosters inclusive and engaging conversations among staff on identity and equity. With support from GBA Plus micro funds, the team organized training sessions, invited guest speakers, and provided educational resources. Through monthly events featuring literature, film, art, food, and workshops, the club continues to promote intersectional learning and celebrate diversity.
3. Breaking Barriers in Storytelling: This project focused on renewing an interpretive plan to include more diverse and inclusive narratives, such as those of women, people of color, Indigenous communities, children, and the working class. A new display highlights glacier research by the Vaux family, combining educational panels, interactive photo documentation, and a visual rock installation. These elements aim to engage visitors in meaningful ways while honoring multiple perspectives and histories.

Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada had one FTE dedicated to GBA Plus.

Section 2: gender and diversity impacts, by program

Core responsibility: Protecting and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage

Program name

Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsites Management

Program goals

This program involves the management of infrastructure including: the operation, maintenance and improvement of the Trans-Canada and provincially numbered highways; water management activities and the management of bridge and dam infrastructure at heritage canals; and the provision of municipal services to certain national park townsites.

Target population

All Canadians. Economic Segments - Infrastructure; Persons - General public; Provinces, Territories and Communities - Local and/or regional communities

Distribution of Benefits by Group
Distribution	Group
By gender	Third group: broadly gender-balanced
By income level	Third group: no significant distributional impacts
By age group	Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Not available

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

The General Class Grants and Contributions Program (GCGCP) agreements supports all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Canals, Highways and Townsites Management Program, 5 total agreements were signed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025. The largest recipients by number of signed agreements were Not-for-profit organizations (3 or 60%) and Indigenous recipients (2 or 40%). By value of agreements ($13,021,097), not-for-profit organizations received 97% of the total funding and Indigenous recipients received 3%. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in Ontario (60%) and British Columbia (40%).

Key program impact statistics
Statistic	Observed results*	Data source	Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic)
Percentage of grants and contribution agreements provided to Indigenous peoples	40% (2)	GCGCP Annual Report	Parks Canada will provide contribution funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure that capacity exists to enable partnership and engagement opportunities with Indigenous groups.

*2024–25 or most recent

Other key program impacts

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. These town sites are located in rural and remote areas of Canada providing economic and social benefits to these regions.

Supplementary information sources

2021 Canadian Census, Statistics Canada

GBA Plus data collection plan

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continued to renew its Departmental Results Framework (DRF) and Program Inventory (PI). The revised DRF and PI will be implemented in fiscal year 2026 to 2027 and will address current gaps between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.

In addition, the development of new Performance Information Profiles for each Program will support 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 amended strategy aims to formally monitor impact on gender and diversity by program through Program’s Performance Information Profiles.

Program name

Heritage Places Conservation Program

Program goals

This program aims to protect and conserve the natural and cultural resources of heritage places managed by Parks Canada for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. This program also provides financial and professional support and advice to heritage places not administered by Parks Canada.

Target population

All Canadians. Environmental - Ecological systems and/or natural habitats; Environmental - Species at risk and/or invasive species; Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations - Heritage institutions

Distribution of Benefits by Group
Distribution	Group
By gender	Third group: broadly gender-balanced
By income level	Third group: no significant distributional impacts
By age group	Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Indigenous organizations

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

Beginning in 2022 to 2023, the Cost-Sharing Program (CSP) has been piloting conservation and interpretation projects with national heritage places administered by Indigenous organizations. GCGCP agreements support all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Places Conservation Program, 254 total agreements were signed in 2024 to 2025. The largest recipients by number of signed agreements were Indigenous recipients (193 or 76%) and Not-for-profit organizations (35 or 14%). By value of agreements ($29,900,145), Indigenous recipients received 64% of the total funding and not-for-profit organizations received 30%. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in Alberta (27%) and Ontario (20%).

Key program impact statistics
Statistic	Observed results*	Data source	Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic)
Percentage of grants and contribution agreements provided to Indigenous peoples	76% (193)	GCGCP Annual Report	Grants and Contribution agreements are the mechanisms used to provide socio-economic benefits to Indigenous peoples as part of the establishment process for new protected areas.

*2024–25 or most recent

Supplementary information sources

Evaluation of the National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places (canada.ca)
General Class Grants and Contributions Program Data

GBA Plus data collection plan

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continued to revise its DRF. The DRF renewal is expected to be finalized in fiscal year 2026 to 2027 and will address current gaps between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.

In addition, the review of our Program Inventory (PI), program descriptions, expected results statements and performance indicators in the revised DRF and PI will support methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.

Program name

Heritage Places Establishment

Program goals

This program aims to establish heritage places to conserve Canada’s natural and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. This process results in national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites, persons and events, and other designated heritage places, including world heritage sites.

Target population

Environmental - Ecological systems and/or natural habitats; Persons - General public; Non-Profit Institutions and Organizations - Heritage institutions

Distribution of Benefits by Group
Distribution	Group
By gender	Third group: broadly gender-balanced
By income level	Third group: no significant distributional impacts
By age group	Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Indigenous organizations

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

GCGCP agreements support all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Places Establishment Program, 72 total agreements were signed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025. The largest recipients by number of signed agreements were Indigenous recipients (57 or 79%) and both Governments and Not-for-profit Organizations each had 7 signed agreements (or 10%). By value of agreements ($19,052,509), Indigenous recipients received 66% of the total funding, not-for-profit organizations received 19%. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in British Columbia (57%) and Ontario (14%).

The GCGCP 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.

Key program impact statistics
Statistic	Observed results*	Data source	Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic)
Percentage of grants and contribution agreements provided to Indigenous peoples	79% (57)	GCGCP Annual Report	Grants and Contribution agreements are the mechanisms used to provide socio-economic benefits to Indigenous peoples as part of the establishment process for new protected areas.

*2024–25 or most recent

Other key program impacts

Historically, most protected areas have been created in rural and remote areas of Canada providing economic and social benefits to these regions. The 2021 federal budget committed to Parks Canada advancing the network and designation of national urban parks. Parks Canada is working closely with partners at candidate sites across Canada to meet that commitment. Local partners include provincial and local governments, Indigenous governments and organizations, and other partners.

Urban parks play an important role in improving quality of life, and creating more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive communities. Based on data from the 2021 Census of Population, poverty was more prevalent in large urban areas, reflecting higher costs of living. Urban National parks will foster greater inclusion by providing opportunities for a more diverse socioeconomic population. Parks Canada continues to track the percentage of the Canadian population living within reach of a national urban park, which currently stands at 20%.

Supplementary information sources

General Class Grants and Contributions Program Data
Disaggregated trends in poverty from the 2021 Census of Population (statcan.gc.ca)

GBA Plus data collection plan

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continued to revise its DRF. The DRF renewal is expected to be finalized in 2026-27 and will address current gaps between GBA Plus data collection, planning, and reporting.

In addition, the review of our Program Inventory (PI), program descriptions, expected results statements and performance indicators the revised DRF and PI will support methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.

Program name

Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support

Program goals

This program aims to strengthen awareness and appreciation of Canada's national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas, and to introduce key audiences to these places. Promotional activities strengthen awareness of heritage places managed by Parks Canada as well as key visitor experience offers and programs.

Target population

All Canadians. Persons - Immigrants and/or refugees; Persons - Tourists and/or foreign visitors; Low-income individuals and/or families

Distribution of Benefits by Group
Distribution	Group
By gender	Third group: broadly gender-balanced
By income level	Third group: no significant distributional impacts
By age group	Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Indigenous organizations

Key program impacts* on gender and diversity

GCGCP agreements support all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Heritage Places Promotion and Public Support Program, 55 total agreements were signed in 2024 to 2025. The largest recipients by number of signed agreements were Indigenous recipients (31 or 56%) and Not-for-profit organizations (19 or 35%). By value of agreements ($1,730,219), Indigenous recipients received 44% of the total funding and not-for-profit organizations received 45%. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in British Columbia (31%) and Quebec (20%).

Key program impact statistics
Statistic	Observed results*	Data source	Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic)
Percentage of grants and contribution agreements provided to Indigenous peoples	56% (31)	GCGCP Annual Report	Parks Canada will provide contribution funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure that capacity exists to enable partnership and engagement opportunities with Indigenous groups.

*2024–25 or most recent

Other key program impacts

Parks Canada is one of 12 participating federal entities that use the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program, which hires youth directly rather than solely through grants & contributions programs. The program provides participants with valuable work experience and allows Parks Canada to hire more youth, identify and retain those with great potential, and build a more inclusive and diverse workplace. The YESS program helps youth aged 15 to 30, particularly those facing barriers to employment, make a successful transition into the labour market.

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada continued to support national outreach initiatives to meaningfully engage Parks Canada priority audiences and encourage ambassadorship. Through current and ongoing national partnering arrangements, Parks Canada aims to strengthen awareness and appreciation of Canada’s landscape, culture, and history for newcomers to Canada.

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), Parks Canada’s not-for-profit partner, oversees the Canoo free admission program for newcomers to Canada. This program provides one year of free admission to newcomers for all Parks Canada administered national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas.

Supplementary information sources

General Class Grants and Contributions Program Data

GBA Plus data collection plan

In addition, the review of our Program Inventory (PI), program descriptions, expected results statements, and performance indicators, the revised DRF and PI will support methodologies to include disaggregated GBA Plus data into the data collection plans for some indicators.

Program name

Visitor Experience

Program goals

This program provides visitors to national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas with opportunities to enjoy and appreciate these places in safe and meaningful ways. The program includes a range of activities, such as trip planning, reception, camping, accommodations, visitor safety, visitor services, and interpretive activities.

Target population

All Canadians. Persons - General Public; Persons - Tourists and/or foreign visitors; Provinces, Territories and Communities - Local and/or regional communities

Distribution of Benefits by Group
Distribution	Group
By gender	Third group: broadly gender-balanced
By income level	Third group: no significant distributional impacts
By age group	Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts

Specific demographic group(s) to be monitored

Indigenous organizations

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 centers.

GCGCP agreements support all five Agency-level Programs at Parks Canada. Within the Visitor Experience Program, 56 total agreements were signed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025. The largest recipients by number of signed agreements were Indigenous recipients (31 or 55%) and Not-for-profit organizations (21 or 38%). By value of agreements ($1,980,871), Indigenous recipients received 30% of the total funding and not-for-profit organizations received 64%. The largest number of agreements were signed with recipients located in Ontario (11%) and Nova Scotia (9%).

Key program impact statistics
Statistic	Observed results*	Data source	Comment (Maximum 25 words per statistic)
Percentage of grants and contribution agreements provided to Indigenous peoples	55% (31)	GCGCP Annual Report	Parks Canada will provide contribution funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure that capacity exists to enable partnership and engagement opportunities with Indigenous groups.

*2024–25 or most recent

Other key program impacts

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Parks Canada remained committed to the Accessibility Action Plan. The action plan reflects both the social and organizational imperatives of achieving the goals of an accessible public service and Parks Canada. It is a commitment to build on current practices as well as progressively implement actions and initiatives to effect the culture change needed to integrate accessibility with the way Parks Canada delivers its business.

Parks Canada continued its partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to support sustainable tourism in Canada. This collaboration will stimulate the economic growth of Canada’s important tourism sector. Prior to 2020, tourism generated $102 billion in economic activity and 1.8 million jobs every year. Tourism is an important economic driver for the country, particularly in rural and remote areas, where 56 percent of Canada’s tourism jobs are located.

Supplementary information sources

General Class Grants and Contributions Program Data

GBA Plus data collection plan

Scales

Gender scale

First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
Second group: 60% to 79% men
Third group: broadly gender-balanced
Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
Fifth group: predominantly women (80% 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 or future generations
Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation

Date modified :: 2025-11-17