Legislation to create Qausuittuq National Park receives Royal Assent
June 24, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Parks Canada
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the establishment of Qausuittuq National Park – formally enshrining the northern part of Bathurst Island under the Canada National Parks Act as Canada’s 45th national park.
Encompassing more than 11,000 square kilometres of Arctic lands and waters, Qausuittuq National Park protects the area’s natural and cultural heritage, including the endangered Peary caribou and other wildlife ensuring this magnificent part of Canada can continue to be enjoyed for generations. As part of Canada’s system of national parks, Qausuittuq joins one of the finest and most extensive networks of protected natural areas in the world.
The establishment of Qausuittuq will also support local employment and businesses, helping strengthen the local and regional economies. Qausuittuq will be managed in cooperation with Inuit for the benefit, education and enjoyment of all Canadians.
The Government of Canada is committed to engaging communities and partners to protect and present our natural places while fulfilling requirements under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in the creation of Qausuittuq National Park.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
