Minister's round table on Parks Canada

Let’s talk Parks, Canada!

Every two years, the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency holds a roundtable with Canadians interested in the work of Parks Canada to discuss the work of the Agency and look to the future of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

The Minister’s round table on Parks Canada offers an opportunity for Canadians to share their views on issues of importance to the conservation and enjoyment of national heritage places.

For 2023, the Minister’s Round Table will explore five themes:

1. Strengthening Accessibility: Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to meaningfully experience national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas.
2. Indigenous Stewardship of Protected Heritage Places: Advancing Indigenous leadership in natural and cultural heritage conservation.
3. Ecological Corridors: Connecting protected and conserved places in ways that incorporate Indigenous knowledge.
4. Parks Canada and Tourism: Parks Canada’s role in Canada’s dynamic tourism sector.
5. Greening Parks Canada: Achieving net zero emissions in Parks Canada operations.

Welcome to the 2023 Minister’s round table on Parks Canada

As Canada and the world rise to the dual challenge of climate change and biodiversity loss and as people increasingly turn to natural and cultural heritage places to connect with nature and learn about history, national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of Canadians. Protected areas conserve vital ecosystems, contribute to the recovery of species at risk and play a critical role in connecting Canadians with nature and our shared histories in a way that honours the past and contributes to resilient economies.

The government is committed to protecting our land and oceans to respond to biodiversity loss in partnership with Indigenous peoples and in collaboration with governments, communities and businesses. The 2023 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada offers Canadians the opportunity to share their perspectives on important questions facing national heritage places in Canada. I encourage everyone to participate. Watch this web page over the coming weeks for materials and resources which will support the 2023 Round Table as well as an online portal where you can share your views and make your voice heard.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Progress highlights since the 2020 Minister’s Round Table

Every two years, the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency holds a round table to seek advice from Canadians on the work of Parks Canada, and to share information on progress and developments since the previous engagement. The Minister’s Round Table is required by the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998) and is an important opportunity for dialogue with Canadians on a wide range of issues related to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas.

The 2020 Minister’s Round Table, Let’s Talk Parks, Canada! was held in October 2020. Over 13,000 participants online and 60 stakeholder organizations (through nine virtual discussions) shared their perspectives on the work of Parks Canada throughout the engagement.

Here are some highlights on the progress Parks Canada has made in advancing its mandate and the five 2020 Minister’s Round Table key themes: Ecological corridors; Protecting our cultural heritage; Indigenous leadership in conservation; Urban parks and Diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, that have helped shape the themes for the 2023 Minister’s Round Table.

Key highlights on the 2020 Minister’s Round Table themes

Learn more and read the full report:

HTML Version Progress Highlights: 2023 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada (HTML/Accessible)

Download Progress Highlights: 2023 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada (PDF, 1.26Mb)

Previous Minister’s Round Table Reports