Parks Canada ends its avalanche-dog rescue program in Banff

Parks Canada is eliminating its only dog handler position in Banff National Park this month. The agency calls it a "difficult decision" made as it modernizes its law enforcement branch.

Lost people Leroy helped find

57 people

The park's last rescue dog, Leroy, retired in August after seven years on the job. He helped track 156 people and find 57 who were lost in the wilderness.

"How could they possibly make such a bad choice in where to cut?"

— William Stevenson, Conservative MP for the Banff area

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition to restore the role. Parks Canada says search and rescue operations will continue through other means.