2012-2013 Parks Canada Agency Corporate Plan

A Message from the Chief Executive Officer

© Parks Canada

Parks Canada begins its second century with tremendous energy, enthusiasm and momentum. Each year, some 20 million people visit our network of 43 national parks, four national marine conservation areas, and 167 national historic sites. In this year's Corporate Plan, we outline how we will attract more visitors, and increase both the size and the number of areas under our protection.

We engage new Canadians with programs that celebrate citizenship by inviting them to our treasured places, and we reach into Canada's biggest cities with special events, learn-to-camp experiences and the future establishment of Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area. We connect with young Canadians through social media and programs to inspire an early passion for Canada's history and the beauty of its wild places. Last year, we launched Operation Unplugged, a television show that separates tech-savvy Canadians from their electronic devices and has them experience amazing adventures in our national parks and national historic sites. This year, we will welcome our first two youth ambassadors into an engaging program named in honour of the visit, last year, by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

None of our work would be possible without the support of partners. We will leverage the contributions of our partners and stakeholders, whose participation remains important to our continued success. As we commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, we will work with others who share our enthusiasm to increase awareness of the role that our national historic sites played in the conflict that defined Canada.

And, of course, we will continue to work with Aboriginal peoples on our commitments to protect Canada's natural heritage by establishing or expanding national parks. We will also place special emphasis on building on the early successes we have enjoyed in growing the network of national marine conservation areas in such places as the ecologically-rich waters of the Southern Strait of Georgia in British Columbia. Again this year, we add to the list of persons, places and events of national historic significance, such as the recent commemoration of the Starr Manufacturing Company which, in the 19th century, was one of the most important innovators in the design of ice skates.

We could not sustain this momentum were it not for the knowledge, dedication and hard work of our team members. This Corporate Plan is both a roadmap to guide their future actions, and a fervent thank you for their efforts in launching us so effectively into our second century.

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