Parks Canada investigating Banff superintendent for off-leash dog on Tunnel Mountain trail

Parks Canada has launched a formal investigation into Banff National Park superintendent Sal Rasheed following a photograph of him walking his dog off-leash on Tunnel Mountain trail, a violation of federal law in national parks.

Parks Canada senior vice-president of operations Jewel Cunningham confirmed the investigation in a statement Friday. "We are reviewing the matter further and will ensure appropriate action," Cunningham said. An initial internal review was completed before the investigation was launched, and Parks Canada consulted with its law enforcement team before proceeding.

Rasheed acknowledged the incident in a statement, calling it an "isolated, lapse in judgment" and noting it "reinforced the importance of leading by example." He committed to Parks Canada's mandate remaining unchanged and said he would continue to support work to "protect wildlife, visitors and the ecological integrity of our national parks." Rasheed did not respond to a follow-up email from CBC.

Parks Canada emphasized that its law enforcement branch operates separately from park management and reports to the national office. "Law enforcement infractions are all investigated to the same standards and are not influenced by local park management," Cunningham said. Information collected during an investigation remains non-public unless a person is charged, in which case the matter proceeds to the provincial court system.

Under the Canada National Parks Act, an off-leash dog violation typically results in a fine up to $25,000 but does not result in a criminal charge. Cunningham stressed that "compliance with national park regulations is fundamental to protecting wildlife, pets, visitors, and the ecological integrity of the places entrusted to our care."

As of Friday, no charges had been filed in Alberta courts. The timeline for investigation completion and Rasheed's status during the process remain unclear.