Government Announces Parks Canada Honourary Guide for Families

SHAWINIGAN, QC, Feb. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Parks Canada places represent the best that Canada has to offer and they tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, along with François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain, introduced Sophie Grégoire Trudeau as Parks Canada's Honourary Guide for families.  

In her honourary role, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau will be a champion for Canada's natural and cultural heritage and will encourage families to experience the outdoors and learn more about our country and its history through Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp program. Throughout 2017, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau will engage Canadians in celebrating Canada 150 at some of the country's greatest natural and cultural heritage treasures.

Minister McKenna and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau invite all Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to visit Parks Canada places in 2017. The Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada in 2017 to celebrate Canada 150.

Parks Canada is a recognized world leader in conservation, which includes working with Indigenous communities and academic and scientific institutions on conservation projects. Parks Canada takes its mandate to maintain ecological integrity very seriously and is the only national parks system in the world that has fully implemented a system-wide program on conservation projects.

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is your free ticket to discovering Canada's rich and diverse natural environment, culture and history in 2017. Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan their visit ahead of time and to discover new breathtaking locations by consulting its website for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable experiences at www.parkscanada.gc.ca.

Quotes

"Our government has made admission to Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservations areas free in 2017. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I encourage all Canadians to order their free Discovery Pass and explore Canada's remarkable gateways to nature, adventure, conservation, science and learning in 2017. With the help of Sophie Grégoire Trudeau as Parks Canada's Honourary Guide, we hope to inspire people to discover, connect with, and protect our natural and cultural heritage as we celebrate Canada 150."

Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"I am someone who loves spending time outdoors with my family and have a keen interest in Canada's history and so I am delighted to be undertaking my new role as Parks Canada Honourary Guide for families. Connecting with nature and history allows families to develop a respect for the environment, learn about their country, and be inspired by the world around them. Exploring Canada's outdoors and taking part in the numerous activities that our national parks offer are also great additions that Canadian families can make to a positive and healthy lifestyle. I look forward to celebrating Canada 150 with Parks Canada and Canadians across the country and being involved in the Learn-to Camp program."

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

Quick Facts

• Parks Canada manages a network of 46 national parks, one national urban park, four national marine conservation areas and 171 national historic sites, including nine heritage canals.
• Parks Canada is a world leader in the protection and presentation of natural and cultural heritage places.
• Parks Canada is committed to maintaining the ecological integrity of national parks and national marine conservation areas and the commemorative integrity of national historic sites administered by the Agency while providing meaningful and memorable experiences to visitors.
• In 2017, the Discovery Pass offers free and unlimited opportunities to experience Canada's national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas all across the country.

Associated Link

Parks Canada Discovery Pass

SOURCE Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

For further information: Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [e-mail]