OTTAWA, ONTARIO, December 21, 2004 -- The Parks Canada Agency and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) today signed the new collective agreement, which the Agency's more than 4,800 unionized employees ratified earlier this month by an overwhelming margin. "Parks Canada is very pleased that its employees have ratified the new collective agreement, and that they voted so strongly in favour of it," said Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle. "With this agreement, visitors can be assured that the national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas of Canada will be fully open for business and operating normally next summer and beyond," said Mr. Latourelle. "People can plan their next visits with confidence and expect to enjoy the exceptional heritage experiences and high-quality services that Parks Canada is known for. This agreement is good news for Parks Canada, our employees, the traveling public and the tourist industry." Parks Canada and PSAC reached a tentative agreement for the Agency's unionized employees on October 11, following two months of rotating strikes at national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across the country. In December, 90% of the Agency's unionized employees voted in favour of ratifying the new agreement, which will be in effect until August 3, 2007. Under the agreement, all Parks Canada unionized employees will receive economic increases of 2.5 per cent retroactive to August 5, 2003, and increases of 2.25% in 2004-2005, 2.4% in 2005-2006, and 2.5% in 2006-2007. The Agency's operational service workers will receive additional salary adjustments ranging from 2.6% to 19%. Parks Canada manages 150 national historic sites, 41 national parks and two national marine conservation areas of Canada on behalf of Canadians. - 30 - Information: Nicole Racette National Director, Corporate Communications Parks Canada (819) 953-6782
