Discusses the work of Parks Canada in the Federal Department of Environment, and focuses on the two national policies managed by the Program: 1) the Parks Policy on Historic Sites, issued in 1972 and revised in 1983; and 2) the Federal Heritage Building Policy, announced in 1982, which established the Federal Heritage Building Review Office (FHBRO). These policies provide guiding principles and recognize existing international charters and conventions. Nevertheless a Canadian charter has been needed and two Canadian charters have been written in the last five years. The author discusses the factors which have created a need for the special Canadian charter, presents current guidelines in effect at the provincial level, and describes the contents of the Architectural Conservation Technology manuals developed by the Restoration Services Division of Parks Canada.