OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 30, 2006 -- The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that Parks Canada will contribute $145,496 to its Cooperating Associations Program in 2006-2007. Fifteen associations will receive funding to undertake projects ranging from developing sales outlets, creating publications, developing web sites and offering numerous other activities and services.
"Cooperative associations are playing a key role in raising awareness among Canadians about the protection of natural and cultural resources in Canada's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas," said Minister Ambrose. "They provide a vehicle for the public to be directly involved in heritage conservation, and help Canadians understand and appreciate our shared heritage."
Cooperating associations are non-profit charitable organizations whose activities complement national park and/or national historic site themes. These "friends" organizations run gift shops and other retail operations within national parks and national historic sites, organize historical re-enactments and festivals, develop publications that educate the public on ecological and cultural elements within parks and sites, administer restoration projects, and more.
The revenues generated by the friends in sales outlets and through the various programs and special events they organize enable them to employ staff and to engage well-trained, highly motivated volunteers who assist parks and sites in carrying out their mandate. A portion of these revenues are typically directed back to the parks and sites. As non-profit organizations, the friends can use the government grants they receive to hire staff, and can also accept donations for parks/site projects from the private sector.
Parks Canada's Cooperating Associations Program was established in 1981. There are currently 55 cooperating associations in the program, working with national parks and national historic sites in every province. Together, these associations annually generate revenue that supports park or site operations, and provide approximately 60,000 hours of volunteer effort which supports their ongoing contribution to Canada's national parks and national historic sites.Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director of Communications
Office of the Ministerof the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Josianne Jalbert
Media Relations Officer
Parks Canada
(819) 994-3023
