It’s hard to envy Parks Canada. The federal agency is mandated to preserve the ecological integrity of large amounts of land full of complex ecosystems while at the same time ensuring positive visitor experiences and raising the awareness of all Canadians about these natural areas. Whew! Completing this task would be hard to do under the best of circumstances and with an unlimited budget. In reality, our National Parks are trying to do more with much, much less.

There are tangible economic benefits derived from the National Parks. The national system contributes some $1.2 billion dollars to Canada’s economy on an annual basis. On a local level, the provincial government estimates that Jasper provides a direct $250 million dollar boost to Alberta, while being part of a further $200 million indirect economic impact.

Within the Parks system, Jasper, Banff, Yoho and Kootenay are the cash cows. Visitation is down all over the country, but not in the four mountain parks. The revenues derived from our area help maintain the national network of preserved spaces. That is understandable and also a good thing, because a strong, growing National Parks system is an essential part of the Canadian fabric. However, the federal government has been remarkably slow in reflecting the importance of Parks Canada and recognizing the key role that the mountain parks play within the system.

The $209 million (over five years) that the Liberal government committed to in the 2005 budget was a step in the right direction. However, it doesn’t go far enough.

Jasper National Park requires an estimated $6.8 million per year to maintain the built infrastructure within its boundaries. By 2007, they hope to be recieving close to $5.3 million from all funding sources to provide for that need. Certainly, the picture is far rosier than it has been in the recent past, and Parks officials are understandably reluctant to serenade their paymasters with a constant chorus of violins.

Somehow, even in an improving funding climate, Jasper has a $1.5 million difference to make up. The current circumstances have forced Parks to consider efficiencies and critically evaluate needs. This will lower the overall level of need somewhat, but the longer the funding gap remains, the larger the target level will become. 

80 per cent of the built infrastructure in the park is considered to be in fair to poor condition. Not being able to deal adequately with these problems will certainly affect the agency’s ability to provide quality visitor experiences as per their mandate. Any further increase in fees will make the task of engaging and relating to a broader audience more difficult.

As a federal election approaches, Parks Canada should make sure that funding for its future success is front and centre in the debate and campaign platforms of the major parties. The iron is hot for further funding guarantees. Parks Canada and its supporters must not hestitate to strike.

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On the topic of striking, the GYRD teachers’ union has avoided a job action by agreeing to a contract that will still leave their salaries short of the provincial average. They deserve better, but rather than blame the regional board, pressure should be brought to bear on the Alberta government. The GYRD has little flexibility in its budget to accomodate higher teacher salaries as it relies on provincial money doled out on a per student basis. 

In a province where a multi-billion dollar budget is flowing, literally, from the ground beneath our feet, a regional school board should not have to prevent their employees from being paid at a level commensurate with their colleagues elsewhere. Prosperity bonuses might mean some money in our pockets this winter, but it is part of a spending scheme that will be leaving our local teachers’ wallets a little lighter for the next three years.