The Parks Canada Mandate and Charter

Raison d’être

Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations. Canada’s national historic sites, national parks, national marine conservation area, heritage canals, and national urban park, of which Parks Canada is the proud steward, offer Canadians opportunities to visit, experience and personally connect with Canada’s rich natural and cultural heritage in ways that are meaningful to them. In carrying out its responsibilities, Parks Canada works in collaboration with the public, other federal departments, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is responsible for the Parks Canada Agency.

Parks Canada Mandate
(PDF, 582 KB)

Mandate

On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

Our role

  • We are guardians
    ...of the national parks, the national historic sites and the national marine conservation areas of Canada.
  • We are guides
    ...to visitors from around the world, opening doors to places of discovery and learning, reflection and recreation.
  • We are partners
    ...building on the rich traditions of our Aboriginal people, the strength of our diverse cultures and our commitments to the international community.
  • We are storytellers
    ...recounting the history of our land and our people - the stories of Canada.

Our commitments

  • To protect,
    ...as a first priority, the natural and cultural heritage of our special places and ensure that they remain healthy and whole.
  • To present
    ...the beauty and significance of our natural world and to chronicle the human determination and ingenuity which have shaped our nation.
  • To celebrate
    ...the legacy of visionary Canadians whose passion and knowledge have inspired the character and values of our country.
  • To serve
    ...Canadians, working together to achieve excellence guided by values of competence, respect and fairness.

Indigenous language translations of the Parks Canada Charter

Text and audio recordings of the Parks Canada Charter in over 20 indigenous languages.

Related links

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