Responsibility for Archaeological Resources in Areas under Parks Canada Administration

In a large organization there is a need to identify the personnel who are accountable for the work performed in the different areas and/or fields of responsibility. The Field Unit Superintendents, the Service Centre Directors and the Archaeological Services Branch Director are accountable for managing archaeological resources. These managers rely on the expertise of archaeologists to make their decisions.

Field Unit Superintendents

Field Unit Superintendents (FUS) are responsible for management planning and implementation related to archaeological resources located in Parks Canada heritage areas. To strengthen Field Unit decision-making on matters concerning archaeological resources, the FUS have access to expert advice from a Service Centre CRM Manager or another officer.⁹

Service Centre Directors

Service Centre Directors in each Parks Canada Service Centre are responsible for providing archaeological resource management advice, tools, information and services to the FUS beyond that available within the field unit¹⁰. A Service Centre Director may identify an archaeologist to review archaeological research permit applications on behalf of the FUS and to recommend to the FUS whether the permit should be issued and under what conditions. A Service Centre Director is also responsible for managing all archaeological records and collections within the Service Centre and for ensuring that archaeology is part of the   review and determination of CRM evaluation levels.

Archaeological Services Branch Director

The Director of the Archaeological Services Branchin the National Office is responsible for contributing to the Agency’s CRM strategies, developing national direction, policies and training for archaeological resource management, advocating increased protection and awareness, and providing support and leadership for the function.

Roles and Accountability Regarding Archaeology