MANNVILLE, AB – As of mid-May, Grade 8 students across Canada are invited to experience Canada’s national parks and historic sites for free. Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright welcomes this announcement made by the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. The launch of “My Parks Pass”, a program partnering initiative with Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute, will allow over 400,000 Grade 8 students to enter Parks Canada administered national parks and national historic sites for free for twelve months.
“I’m very pleased to be passing on this exciting news to our Grade 8 students,” said Benoit. “Parks Canada offers some of the most unique and relevant places to appreciate Canada, and this new opportunity is a great way for students to connect with Canada’s natural and historical treasures.”
The “My Parks Pass” is a Parks Canada program partnering initiative with Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute that will allow over 400,000 Grade 8 students to enter national parks and Parks Canada-administered national historic sites for free for twelve months.
- Benoit explained that the passes, which will be distributed the week of May 17, provide free access to 27 national parks and 68 national historic sites. “In addition to twelve months of free access to the parks, beginning this September all new Grade 8 classes across Canada will be able to visit their national parks and Parks Canada-administered national historic sites for free when visiting as part of an organized school trip,” states Benoit.
“As the Environment Minister stated, Canada’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and today, on Earth Day, Parks Canada and I are especially proud to place a key to the nation’s greatest treasures in those young hands,” conclude Benoit. “The ‘My Parks Pass’ will open the doors to Grade 8 students to connect their hearts and minds to the places and events that embody the very essence of Canada.”
For additional information on Parks Canada’s the “My Parks Pass,” please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How long is the My Parks Pass valid?
One year (May 2011)
Can it be used for more than one visit?
Yes, as many times as desired at the 27 National Parks and 68 PCA-administered National Historic Sites that charge entry fees.
How do I get my “My Parks Pass”?
They will be distributed to students in Grade 8 classes across Canada in mid May 2010. If your school doesn’t receive its package by May 21 please call 1-888-773-8888.
Why are Grade 8 students receiving this pass?
It is anticipated that a youth pass targeted at Grade 8 students (Secondary 2 in Quebec) would serve to provide an opportunity for direct youth engagement and to instil supportive attitudes and values by encouraging them to visit parks and sites. It is an opportunity to connect youth to their natural and cultural heritage at an influential stage in their life and school studies when they are transitioning between childhood and teenage years. Research has shown that reaching youth with unique opportunities to learn and appreciate heritage can influence them in adulthood. A goal of Parks Canada is that all Canadian students will have an opportunity in their school careers to learn about the important stories and places that are represented by Canada’s national historic sites, NMCAs and national parks.
Can it be used at any park or historic site?
The “My Parks Pass” is valid only at Parks Canada administered National Parks and National Historic Sites. Visit the Parks Canada Website for information on these places.
What happens when grade 8 students visit with their class? Do they need their passes?
Effective immediately, all Grade 8 classes on school trips can visit parks and sites free of charge regardless of whether their students have the passes with them or not.
When will the My Parks Pass Website be available to the public?
The special website for the program will be up and running by April 30 at www.myparkspass.ca
How can kids who can’t visit benefit from this program?
Every Grade 8 student is invited to visit the My Parks Pass website to learn more about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and to use the special code on their pass to enter a contest.
Does the My Parks Pass Program benefit families?
Yes, included with the Pass kit will include a coupon that can be used for family discounts on annual and Parks Canada Discovery Passes.
What is the role of Parks Canada’s partners, Nature Canada and the Historica- Dominion Institute in delivering the My Parks Pass program?
Parks Canada has involved partners in the My Parks Pass program to take advantage of their experience and expertise in key areas.
Nature Canada, due to their experience with connecting with directly with youth has taken the lead in developing and producing a student kit and the My Parks Pass. The organization is also developing a program-specific website where youth can access to find out more about the My Parks Pass and related activities and offers.
The Historica-Dominion Institute (HDI) has expertise in formal education and delivering programs to classrooms across the country. Their role is to develop an extensive mailing list of all grade 8 classes in Canada and to coordinate the distribution of the student kits and passes directly to over 400,000 students. To engage teachers in the My Parks Pass program, HDI is developing and distributing a special information kit and poster into grade 8 classrooms. A contest is also being developed by the HDI team that will be open to My Parks Pass holders to stimulate their interest and involvement in the program.
Both partners will be promoting the My Pass Program through their extensive networks.
The partners are crucial to the success of the My Parks Pass program and Parks Canada is grateful for their creativity and commitment to the project.
