Banff, Alberta, May 6, 2010--Minister Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Ministre responsible for Parks Canada today announced the names of the 32 lucky students who will participate in Canada's Greatest Summer Job as video reporters for the summer. These students took part in a national competition for the fantastic opportunity to connect to Canada's most treasured places.
"I am pleased to introduce the 32 winners of Canada's Greatest Summer Job nationwide competition and to welcome them into Parks Canada's team, said Minister Prentice. "I am extremely proud that Parks Canada imagined this unique way to engage youth in the realization of its mandate."
"Their enthusiasm and creativity will help Parks Canada better connect with young Canadians and open new communication channels to bring Parks Canada closer to the population," said Alan Latourelle, Parks Canada's Chief Executive Officer. "This project will not only allow these young reporters to gain a better appreciation of our rich and diverse collective heritage, but also to share their unique Parks Canada experience with a wide audience."
Each student will be working at one of the 32 Parks Canada field units across the country. Their task is to produce a series of video reports on their experiences in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. In August, the group will meet again, this time in the Torngat Mountains National Park of Canada, the country's newest national park. This is a unique opportunity for our young reporters to gain valuable work experience while discovering and sharing Canada's cultural and natural heritage.
Thanks to the partnership between the Banff Centre and Parks Canada, some members of the group will also have the opportunity to attend the world renowned Banff Mountain Film Festival, participate in workshops and seminars and see their film screened during the festival.
"I am extremely pleased about the partnership between Parks Canada and the Banff Centre, and would like to thank them for their important contributions to Canada's Greatest Summer Job," added Mr. Latourelle. "By showing our students' films at the Banff Film Festival, they are supporting young film makers and encouraging other young Canadians to discover and experience Canada's heritage places."
Canada's Greatest Summer Job contest is part of the celebrations organized by Parks Canada to mark the 125th anniversary of national parks in Canada.
For additional information and to view the clips produced by the winning candidates, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Media Relations
National Corporate Communications Branch
Parks Canada
819-994-3023
Backgrounders associated with this News Release.
Canada's Greatest Summer Job
Canada's Greatest Summer Job: Biographies
