Parks Canada puts communities and boaters at risk

OTTAWA, April 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Parks Canada announced plans to reduce the length of its season and hours of operation to "periods of highest requirements" for the boating season and the associated workforce.

This results in changes to the operating season for not only employees but boaters, marinas, boat operators and any community dependent upon tourism along the canals and waterways.

"The public wasn't even given the courtesy of notice that this was on the chopping block," said Christine Collins, National President of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees.

To add insult to injury they have already sold a number of season passes to the boaters without providing information regarding the reduction of operating hours and the season.

For the last four years Parks Canada has had a safety campaign to ask boaters to reduce their speed and minimize the wakes while in the canals. "With the reduction in hours boaters are going to speed to make it to their destination within the shortened time frame.  This flies in the face of their safety campaign."

The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees represents the canal lock masters at Parks Canada and is a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

For further information:

Lira Buschman
Communications & Special Projects Officer, UCTE
Cell: 613-558-4003