Question Period Note: Canada Strong Pass

The Canada Strong Pass is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at strengthening national unity and pride across the country by promoting a sense of belonging, encouraging the discovery of Canadian heritage, and making cultural institutions, natural spaces, and travel experiences more accessible to Canadians.

• The Canada Strong Pass offered visitor discounts and free admission at select locations which encouraged exploration across the country, increased access to cultural experiences, and fostered connections with nature.
• The Canada Strong Pass has led to an 11% increase in visitation across Parks Canada sites in the first six weeks, and a 15% increase at participating museums. Canadians’ enthusiasm for exploring and celebrating their country also supported local communities and businesses across Canada.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting initiatives that make it easier to discover and enjoy Canada. The Canada Strong Pass made this a summer to remember and highlighted that our country is strong, diverse and worth celebrating.

• The Canada Strong Pass offered the opportunity for Canadians to discover and celebrate Canada. It was implemented in collaboration with the National Museums, the National Battlefields Commission, VIA Rail, Parks Canada and 86 provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations.
• Between June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Pass provided children free admission to Canada's National Museums, including the Plains of Abraham Museum at the National Battlefields Commission, as well as a 50 percent discount on the admission prices for young adults aged 18 to 24. It further offered free admission to all National Historic Sites, National Parks, Heritage Canals, and National Marine Conservation Areas managed by Parks Canada and offered a 25 percent discount on camping and accommodation fees with applicable rebates, and free seats on VIA Rail trains to children travelling with their parents or guardians and discounts for youth (18 to 24).
• Provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations were invited to participate in the Pass. In total, 86 organizations from nine different jurisdictions participated. Nunavut and the Northwest Territories did not have qualifying museums, and Quebec and Prince Edward Island chose not to participate.
• With 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas, and one national urban park, Parks Canada delivers services at over 200 locations across every province and territory.
• Parks Canada’s first visitation reporting period reflects the first six weeks of the Canada Strong Pass (June 20 – July 31st). The second reporting period will be at the end of October and will cover the full Canada Strong Pass timeline of June 20 – Sept. 02.
• Given that summer is a peak revenue earning season for many museums, participating provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations were able to apply under a temporary initiative of the Museums Assistance Program for funding to help offset lost revenues. Funding was determined by a formula that was shared in advance with organizations and calculated at 15 percent of the previous year’s ticket revenue, up to a maximum of $1 million. National museums and the National Battlefields Commission will be compensated for lost revenues.
• Public Opinion Research from the Privy Council Office’s ongoing survey from May 26 to August 10, 2025, notes:
• 13 percent of Canadians have used the Pass.
○ Highest usage in Atlantic Canada (24%) and Alberta (23%), lowest in Manitoba/Saskatchewan (12%), Ontario (11%), Quebec (10%), and BC (9%).
○ Those aged 35-54 (17%) and 18-34 (14%) are more likely to have used the Pass than those 55+ (9%).
• 81 percent of Canadians think the Pass is effective in encouraging engagement with Canadian culture and heritage.
• 70 percent of Canadians say they are likely to take advantage of the Pass if it is offered again next summer.

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