Parks Canada workers face uncertainty after Ottawa announces job cuts

Fear, worry, and uncertainty. That's what Parks Canada workers in the province say they are experiencing. 142 of its 281 employees in the province received a letter saying their jobs are under review. In a statement to CBC News, Parks Canada said receiving a letter doesn't mean an employee will be laid off. It says that decision will be made as part of the review in the coming weeks. The cuts come as the federal government slashed the agency's budget by $145 million. Some programs offered by the parks will also be scaled back or completely cut. Chris Deliberatore is with the Public Service Alliance of Canada. The union represents Parks Canada workers in the province. He says the cuts come right after the Canada Strong Pass drove up visitor numbers. It's very concerning. When you're looking at reducing your workforce, the work is still going to be there. The work's not going away, so that just means there's going to be more work going on to the folks that are fortunate enough to maintain their employment. Among the affected workers are park wardens, guest experience staff, firefighters, scientists, law enforcement, and search and rescue workers. The province isn't alone in the cuts. Parks Canada says it wants to cut about 500 jobs across the country. Sanuta Ranawake, CBC News, Gander.