2025 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada

Conservation of natural and cultural heritage

What we heard

Participants acknowledged Parks Canada’s role in expanding protected areas and encouraged broader collaboration beyond park boundaries, including with Indigenous nations and communities, non-profits and private landowners. They identified climate change and habitat fragmentation as key threats, emphasizing the need to incorporate resilience into conservation planning.

Concerns were raised about the absence of dedicated federal legislation for historic places and the need for sustainable resources to protect cultural heritage sites. Participants also recommended continued modernization of commemoration practices by including First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories and expanding partnerships to share expertise and build capacity, for example, through youth engagement and collaboration across the heritage sector.

Parks Canada’s response

Parks Canada is working with partners across all levels to expand and connect protected areas, with active initiatives underway in regions such as the South Okanagan—Similkameen and the Seal River Watershed. Through the establishment of new national park reserves, national marine conservation areas, and urban parks in collaboration with Indigenous partners, Parks Canada is contributing to Canada’s 30x30 biodiversity targets and building resilience in the face of climate change.

Within available funding levels, Parks Canada continues to invest in the stabilization and rehabilitation of nationally significant heritage sites and structures, while providing financial and technical support to other heritage custodians through the National Cost-Sharing Program. In line with the Framework for History and Commemoration, Parks Canada is integrating multiple historical perspectives and underrepresented narratives into its interpretation and designation work. This includes updating plaques and exhibits, revising designation criteria to align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and promoting public nominations from diverse communities. These actions contribute to a more inclusive, representative, and resilient approach to heritage conservation.

Connecting with Canadians

What we heard

Participants noted Parks Canada’s strong public trust and goodwill, emphasizing the need to maintain this perception. They identified increased domestic travel and renewed Canadian pride as opportunities to boost public engagement and visibility. Suggestions included improving data collection on social and economic impacts, especially for newer sites like national marine conservation areas and promoting lesser known parks and historic sites to ease pressure on popular locations. Accessibility and inclusion were recurring themes, with calls to improve access for people with disabilities and seniors. Participants also supported ongoing innovation and partnerships, particularly with cultural institutions such as museums, to reach new audiences through digital outreach, education and joint programming.

Parks Canada’s response

Maintaining the confidence and connection of Canadians is central to Parks Canada’s work. To ensure Canadians have confidence in Parks Canada, it is increasing efforts toward the continued promotion of the broader environmental, social and cultural benefits of protected heritage places through storytelling, outreach and collaboration. Signature moments—such as the anniversaries of Rouge National Urban Park and the Lachine Canal National Historic Site—will serve as platforms to engage the public in Parks Canada’s work and values. Targeted efforts are also underway to communicate the success and impact of conservation and heritage programs to Canadians through a variety of media and community-based initiatives.

Accessibility and inclusion continue to be embedded in Parks Canada’s visitor experience strategies and are key guidance for asset management interventions.

Parks Canada is upgrading infrastructure, programs and digital services to reduce barriers and heighten visitor experiences. Improvements include adaptive exhibits and redesigned online platforms. At the same time, Parks Canada is working with tourism partners to manage high visitor volumes and promote lesser-known sites through sustainable travel strategies, ensuring that tourism growth supports ecological integrity and broadens access. These efforts align with Parks Canada’s goal to build a more inclusive and engaged visitor base, both on-site and virtually.

Parks Canada is also participating in the Canada Strong Pass, a Government of Canada initiative designed to encourage Canadians and visitors to explore the country’s national parks, historic sites and cultural institutions. As part of this initiative, Parks Canada offered free admission from June 20 to September 2, 2025, to national historic sites, national parks, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees.

Elevating Indigenous voices and leadership in heritage conservation

What we heard

Participants identified Parks Canada’s Indigenous Stewardship Policy as a best practice in co-development, noting its inclusion of diverse Indigenous perspectives nationwide. They called for continued support for Indigenous stewardship and improved cultural competencies within Parks Canada at both national and local levels. Participants emphasized the importance of Indigenous-led conservation and the need to engage the broader public to avoid misunderstanding or politicization.

Parks Canada’s role in Indigenous tourism was also noted, with recommendations to support authentic cultural experiences at parks and sites and to help develop sustainable Indigenous businesses related to heritage tourism.

Parks Canada’s response

Parks Canada’s Indigenous Stewardship Policy reflects a commitment to respectful collaboration and the recognition of Indigenous rights and responsibilities in heritage place management. Co-developed with Indigenous partners, the policy guides actions to enable respectful cooperative management agreements, embed Indigenous governance protocols in decision-making and engage Indigenous languages, knowledge and ceremonies across a range of Parks Canada’s operations. Parks Canada is actively supporting Indigenous Guardians, Elders and youth through funding and capacity-building programs to enhance community-led stewardship.

In parallel, Parks Canada is working with Indigenous governments, entrepreneurs and organizations to co-create visitor experiences, storytelling and tourism offerings that reflect and respect First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives and values. Interpretation, exhibits, and events at sites Parks Canada has a role in administering increasingly include Indigenous interpreters and content, offering the public deeper understanding of Indigenous histories and connections to place as told by Indigenous Peoples. Parks Canada also continues to explore governance models such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, supports the respectful engagement of Indigenous knowledge in conservation planning and supports Indigenous leadership internationally. These actions support Indigenous rights and economies, strengthen conservation outcomes and improve shared decision-making in protecting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.