CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I., April 26, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, Mr. Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Mr. Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today outlined how Parks Canada will invest the $60 million in new ecological integrity funding it received in Budget 2005 - including a significant investment to enhance the experience of Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada visitors. "There's still so much to be learned about these jewels of our natural heritage," said Minister Dion. "This new funding will allow Parks Canada to move ahead quickly with several significant projects to enhance the ecological integrity of our national parks, while taking concrete action to ensure that these special places continue to offer Canadians and other visitors exceptional natural heritage experiences in a natural environment." Budget 2005 provided Parks Canada with $60 million in new ecological integrity funding over five years, followed by $15 million in new annual ongoing funding. The Agency will use the funds to broaden its ecological monitoring and reporting work, augment its current ecological expertise, and undertake new initiatives to ensure the long-term ecological health of Canada's national parks. It will also proceed with significant projects to engage Canadians in protecting the ecological integrity of Canada's national parks, restore key ecosystems, involve Aboriginal communities in the management of northern national parks, and educate the public about ecological integrity. A key initiative will be a three-year, $6 million project to develop new options for the public to have great and memorable experiences at Prince Edward Island National Park in a way that enhances its ecological integrity and its surrounding environment, and offers park users a range of healthy activities. "One of Parks Canada's first priorities is to enhance the ecological integrity of all its parks, including Prince Edward Island National Park," said Mr. Murphy. "The Agency will consult with Islanders, Canadians and First Nations to develop and implement strategies that address the key stressors threatening the park's health, in a way that engages visitors, and offers them healthy new ways to experience and learn from the park." "This national park is a key international tourism destination and a major contributor to the regional economy, but it is also experiencing many significant ecological stressors and has a small land base," said Mr. Easter. "It is here for people to enjoy, and we needed to act to preserve it for future generations. Maintaining the park's ecological health contributes to a sustainable environment which in turn supports Canada's sustainable economy." The Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada ecological integrity project also involves a significant acquisition by Parks Canada of adjacent lands, known as Rainbow Valley, that are part of the park's watershed. "Over the past few years I have been considering the possibility of selling Rainbow Valley, and last winter I approached Parks Canada to determine their interest in acquiring the property, " said Mr. Earl Davison, President of Rainbow Valley Ltd. "The purchase by Parks Canada will ensure future generations will continue to enjoy the property as part of Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada. While the Rainbow Valley property will no longer operate as an amusement park after 2005, I am pleased that it will remain part of Parks Canada's offer in the Cavendish area for all to enjoy." The new ecological integrity funding Parks Canada received in Budget 2005 will also allow the Agency to improve hiking trails and restore grizzly bear habitat in Jasper National Park of Canada, as well as around Lake Louise in Banff National Park of Canada. Both projects will engage trail users in protecting the ecological integrity of the parks, and in developing a sense of trail and habitat stewardship among park users. In Nunavut, Parks Canada will initiate an ecological integrity project to engage Inuit in the management of national parks in the territory and use the Inuit's traditional knowledge of the land to enhance their ecological integrity. A similar project is planned in Kluane National Park of Canada, in the Yukon, involving the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Both projects will also strive to enhance Parks Canada's relationships with local Aboriginal people. One of the most unique priority ecological integrity projects being undertaken by Parks Canada will see the Agency reintroduce bison to their natural habitat in Grasslands National Park of Canada, in Saskatchewan, along with native species of vegetation. Parks Canada also plans to initiate public education projects in Banff and in Fundy National Park of Canada, in New Brunswick, and to restore fish habitat in La Mauricie National Park of Canada, in Quebec. The new ecological integrity funding Parks Canada received in Budget 2005 confirms the Government of Canada's commitment to improve and maintain the ecological health of national parks, and builds on the $75 million in new ecological integrity funding over five years, followed by $25 million in ongoing annual funding, that the Agency received in Budget 2003. Backgrounder associated with this News Release. - 30 - Information: André Lamarre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 Josianne Jalbert Media Relations Officer Parks Canada (819) 994-3023
