OTTAWA, ONTARIO, August 11, 2004 -- Parks Canada has enhanced its public information capabilities to ensure that Canadians will have up-to-date, nation-wide information if work stoppages by its 4,800 unionized workers lead to service disruptions at the national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas of Canada. By calling 1-888-773-8888, or visiting the Parks Canada web site at www.pc.gc.ca, Canadians can quickly obtain the information they need to make informed decisions and, if necessary, to make alternate arrangements. The expanded service is part of the Agency's efforts to minimize the impacts of work disruptions on the travelling public, should the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) call a strike or rotating strikes by Parks Canada employees. Agency employees will be in a legal strike position on Friday if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement by then. ¿Our objective has always been to reach an agreement that is fair and equitable. We hope that the union will seek the advice of its members on our offer before ordering labour disruptions that could jeopardize the travel plans of millions of Canadians,¿ said Mr. Gaby Fortin, Parks Canada's Director General, Western and Northern Canada. ¿But the decision to settle or to strike rests entirely with the union leaders so we have developed contingency plans in case they order their members to strike rather than continue negotiations. An expanded public information system is a key part of these plans.¿ As part of its contingency planning, Parks Canada has designated essential staff to remain on the job to ensure public safety and security. Visitor services may be affected in various locations. ¿Whatever happens, Parks Canada will strive to maintain the highest possible level of service to our visitors under the circumstances. Picketing is a normal part of strike activities but it would be illegal for the union to deny Canadians access to their national parks, national historic sites or national marine conservation areas. We will be making our best efforts to continue welcoming visitors throughout the remainder of the summer," added Mr. Fortin. "We would like to remind the public that Parks Canada has a 100% visitor satisfaction objective and we will continue to stand behind it,¿ said Mr. Fortin. " We greatly regret the uncertainty that the strike threat is causing and we are working to minimize the impact of a potential strike on Canadians. In cases where the level of service is significantly reduced as a result of strike activity, Parks Canada will waive the normal admission fees." Parks Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada are currently at the bargaining table negotiating a new collective agreement for Parks Canada's 4,800 unionized employees. Information: Gaby Fortin Director General Western and Northern Canada Parks Canada (403) 292-4540 Carol Sheedy Director General Eastern Canada Parks Canada (902) 426-5871
