PARKS CANADA

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 18, 2008) - Canada's Environment Minister John Baird is inviting Canadians to visit a national park, national historic site, or national marine conservation area this summer and to celebrate Canada's Parks Day on Saturday, July 19.

"We are truly blessed with some of the world's most outstanding national parks, and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to experience this important part of Canada," said Minister Baird. "Canada's national parks, as well as national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, connect us to our Canadian heritage through meaningful and memorable experiences. I encourage all generations of Canadians to come out and experience these special Canadian places first hand."

Canada's Parks Day, which is co-ordinated by the Canadian Parks Council, is celebrated on the third Saturday of July, each year. Events are organized in national parks, national historic sites, as well as provincial parks and in community and regional parks across Canada. For a list of events taking place in your community, please visit www.parksday.ca.

"Our Government believes that protecting our precious natural heritage is a top priority," said Minister Baird. "That's why we've taken real action over the last year to protect and set aside huge areas of land from future development, including a massive expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve; the establishment of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, the world's largest freshwater protected area; and working with the local aboriginal community and environmental groups to establish a huge new national park on Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Parks Canada aims to ensure Canadians have a strong sense of connection, through meaningful experiences, to their national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, and that these special places are enjoyed in ways that leave them unimpaired for future generations.

Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media Room.