ST. ANTHONY, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, November 10, 2009 --The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today invited Canadians to cheer on the Olympic Flame as it arrives in Newfoundland and Labrador. To support the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay celebrations, the Government of Canada is offering free admission at Parks Canada's national parks and national historic sites on the day the flame is visiting.
"I am very pleased and proud that so many of our national parks and national historic sites are involved in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. This is an opportunity to showcase to the world Canada's national treasures," said Minister Prentice. "By following the Olympic Flame, Canadians and visitors from around the world will get to know Canada and the people and places that make this country great."
"Parks Canada's L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, Signal Hill National Historic Site and Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site all offer many rich and interesting experiences for visitors as well as for their local communities," said Minister MacKay, Minister of National Defense, Minister of the Atlantic Gateway and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Olympic Torch Relay provides a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to celebrate and learn about their country's history and spectacular natural environment."
Torch relay spectators are invited to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site on November 12th to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Flame. Visitors will be invited to enjoy historical re-enactments, and participate in Norse and Aboriginal games which reflect the spirit of the diversity of peoples who have inhabited the site. The following day, the torch relay will start from Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site at sunrise and continue its route to Signal Hill National Historic Site. An evening celebration in St. John's will complete the festivities. Onlookers will have the opportunity to capture the moment on film as the Olympic Flame passes Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site in Brigus.
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay began its 106-day Canadian journey on October 30, 2009 and will travel more than 45,000 km across the country. For the complete list of Parks Canada sites to be visited by the torch please visit www.pc.gc.ca/2010
Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819 997-1441
