Today, hundreds gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to honour police and peace officers across Canada. The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Annual Memorial Service pays tribute to the those in law enforcement who are killed in the line of duty.
It’s also an opportunity to thank to those who work so hard to keep us safe.
Among these inspirational men and women are park wardens, who are responsible for law enforcement in our national parks. They also happen to be members of the Union of National Employees.
This year, ten wardens were chosen to represent the Park Warden Service in Ottawa:
Based in Trois-Rivières, Que., Daniel Toutant has been a cornerstone of the Parks Canada Agency since 2002, serving as technical services supervisor and project manager at La Mauricie National Park. As president of UNE Local 10269, Daniel’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to human rights and mental health in the workplace. He previously served as UNE national vice-president, human rights (2011–2016) and UNE national president for Human Rights (2017–2023) and co-founded the UNE Francophone Committee in 2010.
This marks Daniel’s fourth term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team, where his expertise and advocacy are invaluable. Since 2016, he has spoken across Canada on mental health at various federal departments and agencies. Daniel is unwavering in his fight against harassment, discrimination and racism, always keeping a vigilant eye on the mental well-being of his union family. His experience and dedication make him a trusted defender of members’ rights and a passionate advocate for positive change.
Kevin Alldread
Kevin Alldread calls Peterborough, Ont. home and has been a maintenance technician at the historic Trent-Severn Waterway since 2014. As president of UCTE Local 00056 and an active union member since 2016, Kevin is stepping onto the Parks-PSAC bargaining team for the first time.
A steadfast champion of safety, inclusivity and fairness, Kevin is known for standing tall and speaking out on behalf of his colleagues. He is committed to protecting members’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level. Kevin pledges to fight for what is right and fair, bringing a strong sense of justice and determination to the bargaining table.
Josée Tremblay
A dedicated bilingual activist, Josée Tremblay hails from Shawinigan, Que. and has made British Columbia her home since 1992. Josée joined Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island in 2010, starting as an administrative assistant and advancing to supervisor for visitor experience in 2016.
As president of Local 29266 since 2017, Josée has organized Phoenix demonstrations in both Ucluelet, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont. and is well-known for her commitment to representing members and engaging with management at all levels. She counts her in-depth knowledge of the collective agreement and her ability to connect with members nationwide as her biggest strengths.
Josée is passionate about securing a strong, robust collective agreement – especially considering new interpretations around call-back procedures. She advocates for wage adjustments for General Services (GS) and General Labour and Trade (GL), better protections for seasonal and term workers, and improving work-life balance. Josée’s on-the-ground experience and solutions-oriented approach bring a fresh perspective to the bargaining team. She is enthusiastic about working towards a more equitable future.
Chris Waldinsperger
Chris Waldinsperger began his public service career in 2017, working at Parks Canada as a student at Ontario Waterways. While there, he supported canal operations along the Trent–Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites. He currently works as a project coordinator at Jasper National Park where, since 2022, he has worked on an aquatics-based conservation project.
Chris is the local president for UNE Local 30115. Chris provides frontline support in response to crises, like the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. As a young person on the bargaining team, Chris feels a strong sense of pride to have the chance to help push for meaningful and lasting change.
Birch Howard
With over 21 years as a Park Warden for Parks Canada, Birch Howard has served in Banff, Wood Buffalo, Kluane, Vuntut, Ivvavik National Parks, and the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site across the Yukon and northern BC. As an armed Peace Officer, Birch upholds the Canada National Parks Act and other legislation, ensuring the conservation of natural and cultural resources and the safety of visitors.
Birch is deeply concerned about the inequalities facing Parks Canada members, particularly regarding benefits and compensation compared to other federal employees. He is committed to negotiating a fair deal that brings parity for all members, especially park wardens and first responders.
A member of UNE Local Y0104, Birch has served as Shop Steward, Vice President, and President, and sits on several national committees. This is his third term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team. Birch takes pride in the benefits he has helped secure, and the many members he has supported through grievances and tough conversations with management.
Shilla Furaha Johnson
Shilla Furaha Johnson resides in the stunning hamlet of Lake Louise, within Banff National Park, Alberta. Now in her third year with Parks Canada, she works at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre and is serving her second term as Vice President of Local 30402.
A passionate unionist, Shilla is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is committed to fighting for members from coast to coast. As a first-time bargaining team member, she is eager to learn, collaborate, and bring her problem-solving skills to the table. Her priorities include job security and fair compensation for all.
Outside of work, Shilla enjoys reading and learning new skills. She draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Shilla looks forward to making a meaningful impact and ensuring every member’s voice is heard.
Alternates:
Mohamed Zaid
André Miller
Jonathan Jeet
Hunter Lemon
Adelaide (Ady) King
Ellen Cross
Michael Kvern
The bargaining team is supported by the following PSAC staff:
Following the deadly rock slide at Bow Glacier Falls, north of Banff, Alberta, the Union of National Employees (UNE) extends its thoughts and prayers to everyone affected — including our Parks Canada members and their families.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, when a large section of rock collapsed to the right of the falls. Two fatalities and several serious injuries have been reported so far. Parks Canada and the RCMP have stopped search efforts for any additional hikers who may have been caught in the slide.
UNE National President Alisha Kang expressed her support:
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the Parks Canada visitor safety teams and first responders who acted swiftly to airlift the injured to safety. This is a tragic incident for all those involved.”
Anyone with missing loved ones who may have been in the area is urged to contact the Parks Canada Banff Detachment at 403-762-1470.
Parks Canada delegates set priorities and elect new bargaining team
Nearly 30 Parks Canada members representing more than 4,000 workers across the country, gathered in Gatineau on May 7-9, to review bargaining input, set priorities, and elect a new bargaining team for the next round of negotiations.
At the conference, delegates discussed bargaining proposals submitted by Parks members and discussed priorities received through an online survey. Particular attention was devoted to critical issues such as job security, equitable wages and premiums, group specific working conditions and flexible telework arrangements.
Delegates also participated in a solidarity action at Parks Canada Headquarters in Gatineau. This show of unity underscored the collective determination of Parks Canada workers to secure a fair contract for members.
Delegates also elected their new bargaining team, ensuring broad representation from across Canada with a clear mandate for the upcoming negotiations.
Meet the Parks Canada bargaining team
Kevin Alldread
Shilla Johnson
Birch Howard
Christopher Waldinsperger
Daniel Toutant
Angela Decker
Josée Tremblay
Alternates
Mohamed Zaid
André Miller
Jonathan Jeet
Hunter Lemon
Adelaide (Ady) King
Ellen Cross
Michael Kvern
The bargaining team will be supported by PSAC Negotiator Laneydi Martinez Alfonso.
The team will now caucus to review key demands and prepare a comprehensive package to present to the employer.
Parks Canada members play a vital role in protecting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. They work in a variety of fields, including architecture, commerce, engineering, finance, forestry, general labour and trades, historical research, program administration, as well as seasonal work. Parks Canada members also include park wardens, canal workers, and office staff.
Parks Canada workers at PSAC are members of the Union of National Employees (UNE) and the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE).
Stay engaged and informed by keeping your contact details up to date and signing up for updates from PSAC.
PSAC’s Workforce Adjustment guide for workers at Parks Canada is an essential resource to help members understand their rights and protections when changes to the workforce, including layoffs, are being contemplated. It is designed to reduce uncertainty, provide clarity, and empower members to make informed decisions.
The WFA Guide explains the processes that govern workforce adjustment with Parks Canada. Whether you are directly affected or want to stay informed, the guide outlines:
Employer and employee responsibilities under the Workforce Adjustment Appendix.
Steps to navigate workforce adjustment scenarios, including layoffs, relocations, and alternative delivery initiatives.
Options available to workers, such as the guarantee of a reasonable job offer, voluntary departure programs, and the alternation process.
Facing workforce adjustment may be one of the most stressful experiences in your career. The WFA Guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate this process while highlighting the protections PSAC has negotiated on your behalf.
If you have questions or need assistance with workforce adjustment, contact your local representative, PSAC regional office, or your component, the Union of National Employees, for support.
PSAC is getting ready for the next round of bargaining for over 4,000 members working at Parks Canada. As the first step in this process, we need to hear from you.
What would you like to see in your next collective agreement? This is your opportunity to share your ideas with us. Your participation is crucial to our strength as a union.
The proposals will be reviewed and brought to the next bargaining conference to be held May 7-9, 2025, where delegates from locals across the country will prioritize them for negotiations. Talks for the next contract are expected to begin soon afterwards.
The current collective agreement expires August 4, 2025.
Please keep your contact information up to date to receive more updates as we prepare to negotiate your next contract.
PSAC Parks members work in architecture, commerce, engineering, finance, forestry, general labour and trades, historical research and program administration. From seasonal workers to office staff, from park wardens to canal workers, members working for Parks Canada help preserve our rich natural heritage.
Karsten Heuer was a biologist, wildlife and landscape defender, storyteller, best-selling author, husband, father, son and friend. He was also a UNE member at Parks Canada who passed away November 5. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Karsten’s family and friends.
Today, hundreds gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to honour police and peace officers across Canada. The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Annual Memorial Service pays tribute to the those in law enforcement who are killed in the line of duty.
It’s also an opportunity to thank to those who work so hard to keep us safe.
Among these inspirational men and women are park wardens, who are responsible for law enforcement in our national parks. They also happen to be members of the Union of National Employees.
This year, nine wardens were chosen to represent their peers in Ottawa:
Natasha Moore Gros Morne National Park
Chad Cote Kouchibouguac National Park
Nathan Byington Ontario Waterways
Ron Williams Bruce Peninsula National Park
Tojo Rakotoarivelo La Mauricie National Park & Western Quebec
Monday’s announcement allowing thousands of residents re-entry into the municipality of Jasper, many of them UNE members working at the Jasper National Park, is the first step in a long road ahead of healing and recovery. It will be the first time for many of them to face the damages and devastation to their community. The park remains closed to the public, as the initial re-entry is for residents only.
Our members working and living within Jasper, know UNE has been in close communication with the employer ever since the wildfire started. The main topics discussed have been the safety of our members and their families, the provisions in place to support them while displaced, communication, and mental health. The employer has allocated resources to support those affected by the wildfires.
A FAQ has been distributed. Please reach out to your Local executive if you have not received it. It contents valuable information about:
General information and financial supports
Government of Alberta supports
Red Cross supports and information
Questions on impacts to PCA Staff and Staff Housing
Questions regarding travel situations
Questions regarding general HR situations
Questions regarding pay
Questions about staffing
Questions on Health support
For health support specifically, the following resources are available:
The Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP) crisis line is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-268-7708 (or TTY 1-800-567-5803). The call centre is aware of the context in Jasper National Park and can provide immediate support. If employees are not in a crisis, the call centre will make the arrangement to have a counsellor contact you within five business days to set up a free appointment (up to 12 hours of counselling per issue) in person or virtually. They can also book an appointment by live chat(password: canada), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (MT).
For those remaining to support fire management efforts in Jasper at this time, please know that there are two mental health professionals (MHP) coordinated with the Health Canada Psychosocial Response and Extended Counselling (PREC) team on site with incident command, to support all Parks Canada employees. Employees who are not part of the fire crews can request to meet or talk to the MHP by contacting them directly. The MHPs will be on rotation in Hinton and neighbouring sites every two weeks until the end of September.
Additional mental health support may be requested at any time and coordinated with the Parks Canada Wellness team at mieuxetre-wellness@pc.gc.ca and the Health Canada PREC team at PRECGeneral.CPRPGeneral@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your regional and national teams to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.
To my brave members fighting the fire, we are thinking of you and praying for your return.
Our hearts are broken for all members that were evacuated to British Columbia, Edmonton, and any other locations.
One of the 5 big crises facing the labour movement and workers is climate change. We acknowledge and understand that we must be a partner in dealing with Climate change and we have committed to doing our best to address the impacts to you and all workers.
We are in frequent communication with your employer that is following their emergency evacuation procedures, “Guidelines for the treatment of Employees in Emergency Workplace Disruption” for staff. Please reach out to your local, regional, and National team to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell) National President Union of National Employees
