By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Parks Canada has launched a new initiative providing free admission to all of Canada’s national parks and historic sites exclusively to ‘newcomers’ and new Canadian citizens throughout the year, while other Canadians remain subject to regular admission fees. Using the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app, eligible individuals can enjoy free access across the country for one year. This includes entry to various national historic sites and marine conservation areas from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to Parks Canada’s website, this initiative, titled “Free Admission for Newcomers to Canada and New Canadian Citizens,” allows unrestricted visits without any limitations on the number of entries or the duration of free access. This decision aligns with the Canadian government’s broader immigration policies, including plans to accept more refugees from Gaza amid record-high immigration and increased dependency on food banks.
However, this policy stipulates that free admission is solely for newcomers and new Canadian citizens, leaving other Canadian residents to pay the full price for access. The standard cost for a season pass for a family of up to seven members is CA$151.25 ($110.33), and CA$75.25 ($54.89) for an individual pass. Notably, these passes only cover federally-owned parks and do not include certain high-profile sites like Banff National Park, where a day visit costs CA$11 ($8.20).
The exclusive nature of this free access has sparked significant backlash, as evidenced by reactions on social media platforms. Many Canadians have expressed their dissatisfaction, questioning why the benefit does not extend to all citizens, especially considering their tax contributions to the upkeep of these natural treasures. Concerns were specifically raised about the fairness of the policy towards retired Canadians, who have contributed to the parks during their working lives but are excluded from this offer.
Critics argue that the policy unfairly prioritizes immigrants over long-standing Canadian citizens. One Instagram user criticized the initiative, stating, “We pay taxes to benefit immigrants, not the citizens who live and work here and pay the taxes. What a backwards country.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among some Canadians who feel overlooked by policies they perceive as overly favorable to newcomers.
