Northern Saskatchewan Parks Action

May long weekend wass the start of solidarity activities for national groups that are currently in negotiations, including members from; Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Boarder Services (FB), Parks, and Technical Services (TC).

PSAC members distributed a “Canada’s Parks Under Threat” flyer (see below) to the public at select parks, historic sites and canals during the May long weekend in solidarity with the Parks workers who are affected by the cuts. Three Parks in Northern Saskatchewan were targeted for this activity:

Grasslands Historic Site
Fort Battleford Historic Site
Prince Albert National Park

In Fort Battleford, the flyers were put on cars in the parking lot. The park site was being used that day for a wedding and many of the cars were from out of province. The flyers were also distributed at the town site and the tourism center. Park members at this site are still in shock over the employer’s aggressive Deficit Reduction Plan and were pleased that PSAC had taken on this activity. The public seemed very sympathetic to the issue.

At the Grasslands Historic Site PSAC members distributed flyers in the community of Val Marie. Parks members were very supportive of the activity and thanked the volunteer members for doing the work. Feedback from the public was also positive.

Flyers were also distributed at the Prince Albert National Park in Waskesiu. Volunteer members were asked by the RCMP not to disrupt the flow of traffic at the Park gates, so the team decided to meet inside the park, divide the territory, and distribute in various locations. They posted the flyer to all billboards when possible, and on areas that patrons would be using such as public washrooms and garbage bins. Flyers were distributed at the camp grounds and to cabin owners. Merchants allowed the flyers to be posted in their store windows and extras to be left for distribution at the cash registers.

In general, this was a successful action. The public was interested and aware of the cuts and everyone we were in contact with was supportive of the issue.