Program directory · Parks Canada

Cultural Heritage

Department

Parks Canada

Program code

BGW07 (PCA)

Core responsibility

Protecting and Presenting Canada's Natural and Cultural Heritage

In Departmental Plans

2026-27 – 2026-27 · New since an earlier plan

What it does

The Cultural Heritage Program protects Canada’s rich and diverse history through the conservation of places, objects, and stories. Heritage resources are made accessible for public appreciation, ensuring identity, legacy and interconnectedness are transmitted across generations.

Heritage assets are cared for by skilled specialists who manage the conservation, preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological resources. Sustainability, cultural and operational considerations guide authentic and meaningful public use. A national collection of objects is cared for at historic sites across the country and in specialized facilities. These assets provide an authentic foundation upon which history is shared, education and reflection takes place, and public value is created.

Designation and commemoration, at the national level, of persons, places and events through inclusive and transparent processes reflect the diversity of Canadian society. In collaboration with Indigenous and equity-deserving historians and knowledge-keepers, the program explores ways to present diverse histories and objects and foster understanding of the complex history of Canada.

To honour and support Indigenous stewardship of cultural heritage, capacity is strengthened through Indigenous cultural learning. Through collaboration and cultural competency growth, transformative perspectives increasingly inform the presentation and protection of cultural heritage.

The program takes a values-based, evidence-informed approach, engaging heritage stakeholders and all levels of government. Through expert guidance and cost-shared support, it delivers high standards of practice and reinforces Canada’s role in global heritage leadership. From opportunities to connect through diverse narratives to investments in sustainable communities, the program helps ensure that Canada’s values, challenges and aspirations continue to shape a better common future.

Source: the department's Program Inventory, via GC InfoBase.

History and lineage

First appears in the Departmental Plans in 2026-27. The data does not record when a program was created; it may be older than its first appearance here, which is limited by the sources (program spending starts in 2010-11, Departmental Plans in 2018-19).

No earlier or later program in the same department has a similar name.

Significant changes in scope and budget

Success criteria

The program's indicators from its department's Departmental Results Framework: the target set in each year's plan, and the result reported the following year. Source: GC InfoBase.

Spending and employees: planned against actual

Spending

Employees (FTEs)

Planned spending, plan by plan

Each row is one year's Departmental Plan and its forecast for the next three fiscal years; read a column down to see how the forecast for one year changed. The last row is what was actually spent. Click an amount for its source. Biggest changes in federal spending plans

Actual spending is from Departmental Results Reports and the Public Accounts, as published in GC InfoBase. FTEs are full-time equivalents.