News Release

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN SASKATCHEWAN NATIONAL PARKS AND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES Canada’s Economic Action Plan at work in Saskatchewan

Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan, April 16, 2009 -- On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinnippe-Churchill River, announced a major federal investment in visitor infrastructure in Prince Albert National Park, Grasslands National Park and Batoche National Historic Site. The announcement is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is our government’s plan to stimulate our economy during the global recession,” said Mr. Clarke. “This investment in iconic tourism destinations in Saskatchewan will not only help preserve and improve these treasured places, it will also provide local construction jobs and economic activity and help to encourage tourism in the province.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets aside $75 million for improvements to visitor facilities in Canada’s national parks and national historic sites over the next two years and another $75 million for the protection of national historic sites during the same time period. Over $12.5 million will be invested in Prince Albert National Park, Grasslands National Park and Batoche National Historic Site, in Saskatchewan.

From that amount, $8.2 million will be invested in Prince Albert National Park for roads in the townsite of Waskesiu, which is the main gathering place for visitors. In Grasslands National Park, $425,000 will be invested in McGowan Homestead camping and horse access, and $410,000 in Belza Homestead camping and trails. In Batoche National Historic Site, $3.67 million will be invested in renewing the visitor reception centre and heritage presentation.

“National parks and national historic sites are important contributors to the tourism economy in Saskatchewan,” said Minister Prentice. “Our Government values the status of each and every one of these protected heritage areas. These investments will address pressing capital needs and help to ensure that these treasured parks and sites remain thriving for years to come.”

Tourism represents a significant economic opportunity for Canada and, for this reason, has been targeted in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In 2007, the tourism sector contributed approximately $28.6 billion to the Canadian economy and employed 653,400 Canadians. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is delivering immediate action and investments in infrastructure. This is a targeted plan that will create and maintain jobs for today and tomorrow.

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 42 national parks, 162 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

Information:

Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Carla Flaman
Communications
Northern Prairies Field Unit
Parks Canada
306-663-4565