Parks Canada Strike Impacting Nova Scotia Tourism Industry

TOURISM, CULTURE AND HERITAGE--Parks Canada Strike Impacting Nova Scotia Tourism Industry

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald is calling on the federal government to work with the union to resolve the dispute between Parks Canada and its 4,800 employees.

In a letter to Stéphane Dion, federal minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. MacDonald said the labour disruption is having an impact on Nova Scotia's billion-dollar-plus tourism industry.

The letter states that: "Parks Canada facilities throughout the province are key motivators for the millions of tourists who visit Nova Scotia. The uncertainty of random closures at these facilities during the heart of the summer tourism season is already having an impact. Many tourists, especially those who have travelled great distances, are leaving with memories of disappointment."

Mr. MacDonald also said some tourism operators are reporting cancellations as a direct result of this dispute.

Nova Scotia's $1.3-billion tourism industry provides jobs for more than 33,400 Nova Scotians and is a significant source of export dollars.