Statement made on 08 June 2011 by Senator Elizabeth Hubley
Hon. Elizabeth Hubley:
Honourable senators, 2011 marks the one hundredth anniversary of Parks Canada. Parks Canada manages a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites and 4 national marine conservation areas. As steward of Canada's unique natural areas, cultural sites and historical places, Parks Canada preserves that which is uniquely Canadian.
In 1911, few Canadians realized the impact a national parks service would have 100 years later, but from Banff National Park to the Fortress of Louisbourg, from Torngat National Park to L'Anse aux Meadows and from Kicking Horse Pass to the Rideau Canal, Canadians from coast to coast to coast enjoy our historic sites, national parks and marine conservation parks where history, geography, culture and natural beauty are preserved, interpreted and celebrated.
In my home province of Prince Edward Island, Province House National Historic Site and the Prince Edward Island National Park are a delight for Islanders and visitors alike. The year 2011 also marks the eleventh anniversary of the opening of the Greenwich Adjunct to the Prince Edward Island National Park with its unique parabolic dune system.
In 1911, when the Canadian government established Parks Canada, it set a world standard as the first national parks service in the world. Canadians continue to benefit as we celebrate our history and natural heritage and connect to some of our greatest treasures of national beauty.
This summer, I encourage colleagues and all Canadians to celebrate this one hundredth anniversary by visiting some of Canada's most vibrant and beautiful treasures — our national parks and national historic sites.