Minister Prentice kicks off national celebrations for 125 anniversary of national parks in Canada

March 19, 2010

Parks Canada launches Best Summer Jobs competition
      
Banff, Alberta - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, kicked off the celebrations today to recognize two significant milestones in natural and cultural conservation in Canada.
 
“National parks are one of the greatest treasures and sources of pride for Canadians,” said Minister Prentice. “Today we are launching the celebrations for two festive years marking the birth of our national park system 125 years ago in Banff and the 100th anniversary in 2011 of the first national park service in the world.”
 
Over these next two years, Parks Canada will be offering exciting new initiatives and a variety of anniversary-themed activities at Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas (NMCAs).
 
On Parks Day, July 17, Parks Canada will open the gates and welcome visitors into their national parks, national historic sites and NMCAs for free.  They will be invited to enjoy a wide range of activities and services throughout the day, including interpretation and recreational programs.  
 
The Minister also announced continuing the price freeze covering entry fees, camping at national parks, lockage and mooring at historic canals and several other national fees for general services. 
 
Parks Canada is also celebrating with young Canadians by offering Canada’s Greatest Summer Jobs.  Through a nationwide competition, the Agency will hire 32 university and
college students to work in Parks Canada’s field units this summer to produce video reports on their experiences in the national parks, national historic sites and NMCAs. The best films prepared by the students will also be screened at the Banff Mountain Film Festival in November.
 
“We look forward to announcing additional celebration activities across Canada throughout the next two years,” added Minister Prentice. “I invite Canadians and our visitors to come celebrate our most treasured places this summer where you can enjoy a personal moment of discovery and gain a deeper understanding of Canada.”
 
For additional information on Parks Canada’s celebrations and 125 great things to do at Parks Canada, please see the accompanying backgrounders at www.parkscanada.gc.ca  under Media Room.

 

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