Update on Comprehensive Expenditure Review and Upcoming Integrated Business Planning Cycle

Dear colleagues,

Following my message of July 8 regarding the Government of Canada’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER), I want to provide an update on where things stand and what to expect in the coming months.

Parks Canada’s potential CER reduction options and renewal proposals have been submitted to the government for consideration in accordance with direction provided to all departments and agencies. Because deliberations and decisions are subject to Cabinet confidence, we are limited in what we can share at this time. Some decisions may come as early as this fall, while others may not be finalized until the end of the fiscal year. The Senior Management team and I are committed to being as transparent as possible and will share information as soon as we can.

I want to be clear: Parks Canada’s mandate is not changing. We remain focused on protecting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, providing safe and high-quality visitor experiences, and advancing Indigenous stewardship. At the same time, like any public sector organization, we must ensure that we remain effective, efficient, and sustainable. This means evolving how we plan, organize and align our resources and work to core activities with a focus on responsible spending and innovation. 

As part of this evolution, and to best position Parks Canada for the future, the upcoming Integrated Business Planning (IBP) cycle will launch in the coming weeks. The Agency has been effectively advancing toward financial sustainability utilizing the IBP planning process in recent years and will again during this time of uncertainty. The updated IBP Guidance, which outlines updates for 2026-2027 and explains reductions to notional budgets to some business units, will guide each team to anticipate changes and to plan for the year ahead.

I want to personally thank each of you for your continued professionalism and dedication during this time. As new information becomes available, it will be shared and integrated into planning as appropriate. I encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your supervisor and support one another during what can be stressful times. If you need assistance, remember that resources such as the Ombuds Office and the Employee and Family Assistance Program (1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 for the hearing impaired) are available.

Ron Hallman

President & CEO

#ParksCanadaProud