Our Federal Policy Priorities
Formed in 1997, the Association of Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE) is a member-driven advocacy association that represents businesses (such as hotels, restaurants, tour companies, recreationists, transportation companies, etc.) that employ 5,000+ employees in Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks. We promote high-quality visitor experience, enhanced accessibility, and local decision-making within Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks communities of Banff, Jasper, and Canmore. AMPPE consistently refers to its core mandate of fair and balanced policies, approaches, and multi-partisan engagement across the federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous communal leadership spaces.
Economic Impact of Canada’s Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountain National Parks account for 60% of the visitors to all of Canada’s 48 national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites.As part of the 2025 federal election, AMPPE urges candidates to consider the following key issues affecting Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, and Waterton Lakes National Parks:
Between the mountain towns of Canmore, Banff and Jasper, $2.3 billion was generated in visitor expenditures in 2019, contributing to a total of $2 billion in GDP, 23,600 jobs, and $308 million in taxes to the economy.
Banff, Jasper, and Canmore host about 13% of Alberta’s visitors.
1. Coordinated Government Support to Help Rebuild Jasper National Park
The Government of Canada, in coordination with the province of Alberta and the Town of Jasper, should implement a holistic, forward-thinking approach that integrates communication, community needs, and resilience that best supports post-fire restoration and infrastructure rebuilding in Jasper’s National Park.
2. Openness, Transparency & Accountability
- Establish an independent appeal board to review Parks Canada decisions, ensuring fairness and transparency in park management.
- Improve public consultation and stakeholder engagement for policies affecting park decision-making.
3. Sustainable Tourism & Infrastructure Investment
- Reinvest in park infrastructure, including roads, trails, and visitor facilities.
- Support operational funding for Parks Canada to ensure Parks Canada’s duel mandate can be fulfilled.
4. Parks Canada Management & Policy Reform
- Strengthen collaboration with local businesses and communities to ensure policies support both economic sustainability and conservation.
- Advocate for a holistic clear long-term strategy on public access and visitor experience management.
- Address budget constraints impacting park maintenance, visitor services, and ecological protection.
5. Climate Resilience & Wildfire Preparedness
- Secure federal funding for wildfire prevention and response in parks and nearby communities.
- Invest in climate resilience measures, including infrastructure upgrades to mitigate flooding and extreme weather.
- Enhance ecological restoration following natural disasters to ensure long-term park sustainability.
- Increase funding and resources for fire services and road maintenance crews, which are vital for safety and emergency response.
6. Transportation & Access Solutions
- Expand public transportation options to reduce congestion and environmental impact in high-traffic areas.
- Support the growth of sustainable transit, including electric and low-emission shuttle systems.
- Improve connectivity and emergency response by expanding cell service along key routes, such as the Icefields Parkway.
Our Ask to Federal Candidates
AMPPE calls on federal leaders to champion policies that balance conservation with public access, ensuring that Canada’s mountain national parks remain world-class destinations for residents and visitors alike.
We encourage all candidates to:
✅ Engage with AMPPE and listen to the voices of our members.
✅ Commit to policies that foster sustainable tourism, infrastructure investment, and responsible park management.
✅ Support the long-term vitality of national park communities through fair and transparent decision-making.
Together, we can protect Canada’s national parks while ensuring they remain accessible, thriving, and sustainable for future generations.