The Parks Canada Agency was established in December 1998 as a "departmental corporation" under Schedule II of the Financial Administration Act. This means that Parks Canada is a separate legal entity, dedicated to delivering the programs set out within the Agency's legislation and policy authorities. The Minister of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the overall direction of the Agency and accountable to Parliament for all Parks Canada activities.
The Parks Canada Agency has been provided with flexible human resource, administrative and financial authorities. These authorities include:
separate employer status to enable the design of a human resources management framework that is more responsive to Parks Canada's particular operational requirements and the conditions in which its employees work;
full revenue retention and reinvestment to contribute to the financing of services;
a two-year rolling budget to promote the wise investment of public funds and to allow for funding advances; and,
a non-lapsing account to finance the establishment of new national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
In addition, Parks Canada has received new capital program, contracting and real property authorities to streamline administrative processes, while continuing to be accountable to the Minister and Parliament.
