Program directory · Parks Canada

Public Understanding and Appreciation

Department

Parks Canada

Program code

BGW12 (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 Public Understanding and Appreciation Program is dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of Parks Canada's invaluable services, which include the preservation of history, the protection of ecosystems, economic contributions, maintaining vital services, and fostering a sense of belonging and pride in Canada's precious places.

By engaging with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and the public, the program highlights the policy and communications work and daily interactions behind thousands of points of contact, leading to positive impressions and public support resulting in understanding, appreciation and action.

These efforts include community engagement on conservation and presentation efforts, partnerships with local organizations, digital presence and engagement, and regional outreach, all of which play a crucial role in connecting Canadians and inspiring their involvement in the protection and presentation of the natural and cultural heritage of Parks Canada.

Working in collaboration with Indigenous partners, the program contributes to the public's awareness and understanding of Indigenous heritage. Nationwide and international initiatives further connect the public with protected heritage places, fostering a deeper appreciation for ecosystem health and the diversity of people and histories within Canada.

Ultimately, the program aims to inspire support for participative involvement to ensure that the benefits of protected places are enjoyed by all Canadians and encourage their participation in these preservation efforts.

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.