Creation of Dominion Parks Branch recognized as a national historic event
Banff, Alberta, January 27, 2012 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today commemorated the importance of the Creation of the Dominion Parks Branch and the birth of Parks Canada as an event of national historic significance.
“Since it was established a century ago as the Dominion Parks Branch, Parks Canada has worked tirelessly to protect Canada’s diverse national heritage and encouraged Canadians everywhere to appreciate, experience, and enjoy all of Canada’s national treasures,” said Minister Kent. “The plaque formally recognizes Parks Canada’s ongoing contributions to Canada’s heritage year after year as well as its own historical significance as the world’s first national park service.”
The designation commemorates Parks Canada’s 100 years of world leadership in conservation and tourism. Founded on May 19, 1911 as the Dominion Parks Service, Parks Canada now manages one of the most extensive networks of protected national heritage places in the world, encompassing 167 national historic sites, 42 national parks and four national marine conservation areas.
The plaque will be located in the Cascades of Time Garden on the grounds of the Parks Canada Banff Administration Building in Banff National Park.
“As the Minister for Parks Canada, my objective is to enable all Canadians to have meaningful opportunities to connect with Canada’s treasured places in order to build a stronger Canada, now and into the future,” said Minister Kent.
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
The Creation of the Dominion Parks Branch
