CPS News Release Tuesday July 13, 2004                                                            Home

LOCAL COALITION TO PRESS FEDS FOR INCREASED NATIONAL PARK INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

The Concerned Park Supporters of Prince Albert National Park, a coalition of park visitors, local governments, Waskesiu residents, and business owners is poised to launch a campaign aimed at convincing the federal government to increase infrastructure funding for the Prince Albert and all National Parks.

“The problem of deteriorating infrastructure has been growing over the last 50 years to the point where clear evidence of financial neglect is showing everywhere”, said George Harrison, CPS president. “We expressed our deep concern last fall in a letter to Minister of Environment David Anderson, and he affirmed that there is an annual shortfall of $100 million in the budget needed to recapitalize park infrastructure. The deteriorating condition of our Park’s assets is the #1 concern of CPS at the moment”, said Harrison.

CPS has been quietly researching the state of Parks Canada infrastructure both locally and nationally, in hopes of soon exposing the shabby and potentially unsafe condition of many of the Park’s assets and embarrassing the government into action.

The organization will be holding its Annual General Meeting in Waskesiu on August 8 at 1 p.m., at which time Park Superintendent Rod Blair will deliver a report on the Park’s infrastructure. “CPS Directors plan to discuss with members how best to support the Park’s need for more funding”, said Harrison.

Concerned Park Supporters is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to preserving the Park’s beauty and biodiversity, while protecting traditional and heritage activities so that PANP remains a place for the enjoyment and appreciation of all people for generations to come.

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July 13, 2004

For further information contact:

Philip Parr

Communications Chair