Saturday July 21 marks Canada’s 21st annual Parks Day, and the country’s public parks could do with some celebrating and saving. According to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Canada’s national and provincial parks are facing a growing number of threats, largely due to government budget cuts.
In its Parks Under Threat 2012 Report, CPAWS reports on how federal budget cuts are going to have a significant impact on the country’s public parks, especially because they’ll mean considerable reductions in essential scientific research and monitoring. The report details how this year’s federal budget axed almost $30 million in Parks Canada’s annual funding, causing the loss of 638 jobs. Of particular concern is the culling of scientific minds and experts: 25 to 30 percent of ecosystem science positions will be lost from the parks system, as will over a quarter of the parks’ technical specialists.
If Canada’s public parks are important to you, you can join in the CPAWS campaign to protect their ecological integrity by getting in touch with the federal Minister and your local MP through the organization’s website.
