2010-2011 Parks Canada Agency Corporate Plan

Minister's Message

Canadians live in a country full of opportunities. As Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I am particularly proud of the opportunities we have to ensure that our generation can leave our children a legacy of indispensable benefits of iconic wildlife, fascinating historic places, and clean water. The year 2010, in addition to being the International Year of Biodiversity, marks the 125^th anniversary of the creation of Canada’s first national park and the world’s third protected area, and next year, Parks Canada will celebrate its 100^th anniversary. These celebrations bring greater attention to the importance of protecting biodiversity around the world.

Parks Canada is at work across the country-wide network of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to provide world-class conservation as well as opportunities for Canadians to learn about and have extraordinary experiences of discovery at these national treasures. This is the future we foresee, and to achieve it, we rely on science, long-term vision, dedicated employees and partners.

In fact, we have already started putting measures in place to ensure the success of our planned actions. For example, we have plans to enhance the protection of heritage areas in places like Mealy Mountains, Lancaster Sound and Gwaii Haanas. We are currently conducting feasibility studies, consultations and negotiations in exceptional places across Canada. We have put in place measures to track the health of our national parks, with an ultimate goal of helping wildlife populations to recover, and protecting and restoring coastlines and improving waterways. We are working at connecting Canadians to their wilderness and heritage places. We are encouraging more people to rediscover their nature and their history.

Finally, we will build on our strong partnerships with Aboriginal peoples, other levels of government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, environmental groups and concerned citizens. I recently had the chance to share thoughts with several stakeholders representing the broad spectrum of Canadian society at the Fifth Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada, in Toronto. Parks Canada’s priorities and planned activities identified in this Corporate Plan reflect those discussions.

While our wild areas are allies in the race against climate change, our protected natural and historic heritage places are fundamental elements of Canada’s tourism industry and economic generators. We have a true gem in our hands and it is our mission to pass it on to future generations. We have a responsibility to take action. I hope that the actions we are taking today will also serve to inspire our children – the leaders of tomorrow – to get involved in the preservation and presentation of Canada’s history and natural treasures.

We are making a difference. We are working together to create the landscape of possibilities for our future generations.

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