Canadian Parks Council: Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers

Toronto, Ontario, February  28, 2014  

Canada’s parks ministers have committed to work together to creatively and  collaboratively inspire Canadians to experience nature through parks in ways that support their health and well-being.

The action was prompted by the first-ever comprehensive  evidence-based report in Canada that chronicles the many proven benefits of  spending time in nature.

Developed by the Canadian Parks Council, Connecting Canadians with Nature: An  investment in the well-being of our Citizens pulls together an increasing  body of research that demonstrates the immense benefits of connecting with the  natural world. The benefits are broken down into six key areas:

   
• the economy;
   
• physical and mental health;
   
• spirit and cultural identity;
   
• personal development;
   
• the welfare of communities; and
   
• the environment.

In a joint statement  released at the Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Parks, with the exception of Quebec*, held in Toronto, Canada’s park leaders committed  to innovate, diversify and  adapt the country’s park offerings to meet the changing needs of families, and  to work with various   sectors of Canadian society – municipalities,  school teachers, health practitioners, business leaders, community builders,  tourism operators – to support experiences in nature that enhance Canadians’  collective health, prosperity, growth and productivity.

During the meeting, the ministers further agreed to  collaborate in developing a passport to parks, to build on existing digital  tools that make it easier for Canadians to visit their parks and share best  practices to expand programs such as learn-to-camp activities in more  jurisdictions.

Quick  Facts:

   
• Within a generation, Canada has transitioned  from a rural to an urban nation, with 80% of Canadians now living in  cities.  Canadians today spend on average  90% of their time indoors, with increasingly sedentary lifestyles that are  contributing to a variety of chronic health issues.  
   
• From lowering blood pressure, to reducing  stress levels, to supporting children’s cognitive development, nature has the  profound ability to support both our physical and mental health.
   
• Green  spaces also support job growth and economic prosperity and build stronger  communities by creating outdoor tourism and recreation opportunities.
   
• The meeting was co-chaired by Leona Aglukkaq,  Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Dr.  Richard Starke, Alberta’s Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, and hosted  by David Orazietti, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources.

Quotes

“Canada is fortunate to have a rich array of parks that are  recognized for supporting our overall well-being, and for providing direct benefits  to communities through job creation, recreation and tourism opportunities. Our  Government is committed to working with our partners to find ways to encourage and  support Canadian families to connect with nature from coast to coast to coast.”

Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s  Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“Our parks are an incredible resource that holds the  potential to benefit Canadians physically, mentally, socially and economically.  To fully realize that potential, it’s essential we work together to inspire  more Canadians to get outside, explore our parks and connect with the wonders  of our natural world.”

Dr. Richard  Starke, Alberta’s Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation

“I’m pleased that Ontario was able to host this  conference highlighting the beauty and importance of Canada’s parks. Ontario  continues to connect Canadians with nature through programs such as Learn to Camp and  through the Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter, the  first charter of its kind in Canada to help children discover the wonders of  nature. We look forward to working with our partners to enhance opportunities  for the public to enjoy Ontario’s provincial parks.”

David  Orazietti, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resource

“Canada’s extraordinary system of parks, the oldest in  the world, offers some of the best places to experience all of nature’s powerful  benefits, but we cannot work alone.  The  Canadian Parks Council is ready to join forces with others, to create new  opportunities that will help maximize the many benefits of personally  experiencing nature.”

Dawn  Carr, Executive Director, Canadian Parks Council

Related  Products

   
• Connecting  Canadians with Nature: An investment in the well-being of our Citizens
   
• Parks ministers’ statement
   
• Backgrounder: Connecting Canadians to Nature through Parks

Associated Links

   
• Canadian Parks Council
   
• Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat

*The Quebec Government does not subscribe to the  “Connecting Canadians with Nature” initiative. One of the initiative’s main  objectives, which consists of improving public health and wellness through  outdoor recreation activities and thereby supporting decreased health costs,  falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of Quebec, particularly in regards to  health promotion. However, Quebec will participate in the exchange of  information regarding, among others, best practices in park management and  promotion.

Contacts

Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Bill Anderson
Press Secretary
Alberta Tourism, Parks, and  Recreation
Cell: 780-974-5548

Andrew Donnachie
Press Secretary
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
416-314-2198

Canadian Parks Council
Dawn Carr, Executive Director
(705) 806-0391 / 888-502-1737

About  the Canadian Parks Council
Since 1962, federal provincial and territorial  governments have collaborated through the Canadian Parks Council (CPC) to promote  excellence in parks and protected areas management, to advance park and  protected area values and interests, and to encourage cooperation and mutual  support among member agencies.