Canadian Grade 8 Students to Receive Free National Park Access: Minister Jim Prentice

April 22, 2010

Ottawa, Ontario – Today, Grade 8 students across Canada are invited to experience Canada’s national parks and historic sites for free, announced the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. The launch of “My Parks Pass”, a program partnering initiative with Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute, will allow over 400,000 Grade 8 students to enter Parks Canada administered national parks and national historic sites for free for twelve months.

“Canada’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and today, on Earth Day, our Government is especially proud to place a key to the nation’s greatest treasures in those young hands,” said Minister Prentice. “The “My Parks Pass” will allow Grade 8 students to enter Parks Canada-administered parks and sites for free and open doors to connect their hearts and minds to places and events that embody the very essence of Canada.”

• "Nature Canada is proud to be a partner in this program," said Ian Davidson, Executive Director, Nature Canada. "Creating opportunities for our youth to experience nature first-hand in our parks and national historic sites will promote healthy, active lifestyles and generate appreciation of and respect for nature."
• The passes, which will be distributed the week of May 17, provide free access to 27 national parks and 68 national historic sites.
• "The wealth of Canada is its wilderness and its history," says Andrew Cohen, president of The Historica-Dominion Institute. "We hope the 'My Parks Pass Program' will introduce young Canadians to both, igniting a lifetime interest."
• In addition to twelve months of free access to the parks, beginning this September all new Grade 8 classes across Canada will be able to visit their national parks and Parks Canada-administered national historic sites for free when visiting as part of an organized school trip.

“We look forward to seeing these students in class outings and with their family and friends in our national parks and national historic sites,” added Minister Prentice. “I invite all Canadians and our visitors to come celebrate our most treasured places where you can enjoy a personal moment of discovery and gain a deeper understanding of Canada.”

For additional information on Parks Canada’s the “My Parks Pass,” please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca  under Media Room.