Current National News

November 26, 2010

Province Kills Controversial Parks Bill

November 24, 2010

World Heritage Sites in Danger with Alberta's Proposed Parks Act

 

NEWS RELEASE

National conservation group slams proposed parks act for "setting the clock back 40 years"

Calgary -- The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s national board of trustees is voicing outrage today at new legislation under discussion in the Alberta legislature this week that would fundamentally alter the province’s Parks Act.   

“Alberta could become leader of a race to the bottom in weakening protection of Canada’s provincial parks and wilderness areas. It is unbelievable that a province with some of Canada’s most spectacular parks – the province’s crown jewels – is proposing a new parks act that doesn’t give priority to protecting their ecological integrity,” says Oliver Kent, CPAWS national president.

“In the very same week that we’re celebrating the birth of Banff, Canada’s first national park 125 years ago, the province is rolling back the clock on the standards for all of its provincial parks. This is the worst conservation legislation proposed in Canada in a lifetime,” says Kent.

At its meeting in Banff over the weekend, CPAWS board members from across Canada were briefed on the proposed Alberta legislation. The organization is now calling on the province to rewrite the legislation to bring it in line with the world-class standards for parks management set by the National Parks Act. “If the legislation is passed as written, it will open the door to a variety of recreational and development activities, such as massive resorts and logging that simply have no place in our iconic wilderness parks,” says Sarah Elmeligi, senior conservation planner for the CPAWS Southern Alberta chapter.

“No provinces in Canada should be weakening their parks legislation. In fact, many have a substantial ways to go to make improvements to ensure that our parks will be here for future generations – not just for people, but for all species. Alberta is completely headed in the wrong direction,” says Kent.

“Our parks are an essential to our enjoyment of and connection to wilderness. But these places are also essential in maintaining healthy ecosystems – affecting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate. Protecting these ecological goods and services is crucial for our health human communities,” adds Elmeligi.

“A new act for Alberta’s parks should enshrine ecological integrity as the first priority in their management, include Aboriginal peoples in parks and protected areas management in a manner consistent with Canada’s Constitution, and provide opportunities for recreational activities in parks and other protected recognize areas that have minimal impact on the landscape,” says Kent.

For interviews, contact: Ellen Adelberg, cell (613) 292-2875, Sarah Elmeligi cell (403) 688-8641

NEWS RELEASE

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CPAWS launches video contest for Canadians to Celebrate National Parks

Ottawa, July 16, 2010 - On the eve of Parks Day and to celebrate 125 years of national parks in Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is launching a nation-wide online video contes to inspire Canadians to share their stories of our treasured national parks.

CPAWS is launching Celebrate Canada’s Parks Video Contest, with the support of Parks Canada, with the aim of engaging and inspiring Canadians to share their feelings about our great national parks. The contest is designed to bring parks to people - no matter where they live - using video to showcase what makes a particular national park so appealing and memorable. Using the resources available, videos can include photos, unique features about a park and personal experience to tell the story of a particular national park.

“We hope that through this contest Canadians will learn more about our national parks and be inspired to get out and experience these national treasures for themselves,” says Eric Hébert-Daly, Executive Director for CPAWS.

The first place winner will receive a guided trip down the world-famous South Nahanni River through the recently expanded Nahanni National Park Reserve, courtesy of Nahanni River Adventures. Other prizes include a video camera, gift certificates from Mountain Equipment Co-op and Parks Canada Discovery Passes. The top 10 videos will be selected through online voting, from which the top three will be selected by a panel of judges. In addition, one entry will be randomly selected each week to win a prize.

“My trip down the Nahanni River last summer was one of the most memorable outdoor experiences of my life,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “I am delighted to know that thanks to this partnership, the winner will have the opportunity to experience Nahanni National Park, a true gem that was expanded by our government last year.”

“Parks Canada's collaboration with CPAWS is a wonderful way to highlight the 125th anniversary of national parks in Canada. We're excited about this project and the opportunity it brings us to use social media for engaging Canadians, and I look forward to seeing the creative approaches for showing to the world Canada's amazing natural places and unforgettable experiences!” said Alan Latourelle, CEO of Parks Canada.

The contest runs from July 17 until October 12, 2010. Participants are asked to select a national park and create a 2 minute video about what makes that park so special. No video experience is required. CPAWS would like to thank Parks Canada, Nahanni River Adventures and Mountain Equipment Co-op who helped make this contest possible.

For more information about the contest visit the website at www.celebrateparks.ca

Current National News

Take a look at the latest media releases from and the most current media coverage about the Southern Alberta Chapter of CPAWS and their associates and related conservation organizations.

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