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National Parks

What do our parks mean to you?

In March 2000, following recommendations by a federal panel, Heritage Minister Sheila Copps vowed to preserve the ecological integrity of our national parks by putting the environment before development. We want to track that commitment to assess the health of our national parks on an ongoing basis.

But what we really want to know is what YOU think. Have you ever been to a national park? Should there be any development in parks, and if so, how much is too much? Tell us about your experiences in our national parks, about your expectations when visiting them and about what you think we should be doing to ensure these special places are preserved for future generations.

NAME	COMMENTS
Bob Shiell Submitted: Tuesday, November 07, 2000	Our parks (both provincial and national) are a very useful educational tool for use by students and the general public. They are in need of more funding from the federal and provincial gov'ts. The plan to have a nat'l park in each ecozone or natrual region in Canada must be completed. The parks are a connection to our past, our history, both natural and human. They have a recreational use that is over used to the point of abuse. Research on our environment can and should be done in our parks.
Vivian Easton Submitted: Sunday, November 05, 2000	Living in Calgary affords me the opportunity of hiking in many of our national parks over the years. I am amazed at the disrespect for the animals and the environment that we Canadians have when in our parks. Banff has been developed to the point that visitors lose the respect for the wild life using the Bow corridor. Every animal has been negated to an object to pet, feed and approach. The cut backs to park maintenance & staff is shameful. To protect both the wild life & environment it must be policed. Canadians have one of the best park systems in the world and it is being abused, misused and turned into a mall where tourists can shop and see wild life at the sametime. Further development in our parks is a slap in the face to our forefathers who left this gift to the nation and future generations. We are apathetic about many things in this country. We can not afford to be about preserving the wilderness of our parks. The parks are there for our use and enjoyment, not our abuse. They restore the soul of our nation and give us an identity. Paving them over will destroy what it means to be Canadian. The credo of hikers is "leave it as you found it" perhaps our government would do well to remember this if we are to keep the parks for future generations. I fear the day that the only animal in Banff will be one stuffed and hung on some shop wall.
Jean Valkos Submitted: Wednesday, November 01, 2000	I have been to quite a few of our Parks. Our parks should be preserved for all future generations since they will soon be the only places left in North America in a natural state. No logging, hunting, or mining should be allowed within their borders. There is enough room elsewhere for these activities.
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Larry Kawcuk Submitted: Monday, October 30, 2000	After all is said and done and being a senior public servant for 34 years I find this going in cirles. Why do we continuing go in circles instead of local citizens do the job Sheila keep drinking tequilas and you will do fine. My feeling’s are let’s focus on health i.e. drinking water,etc. Get a handle on the prioities
Karen Hughes Submitted: Sunday, October 29, 2000	I am a Canadian citizen studying in Australia.  I am majoring in 'Protected Area Management' and hope to return to Canada and work within one of our breathtaking National Parks. National parks are a refuge for native animals, they are also a refuge for us, they are a piece of nature that is to be left undisturbed.  As the population increases and people tend to retreat back to nature it is inevitable that these places will slowly be degraded.  The result is less habitat and pushing animals into the arms of predation and sometimes extinction... More needs to be allocated to NP.  The preservation of these areas is imperative to maintain biodiversity and the well-being of all living species.  With proper management and conservation these sacred places will be around for many generations to appreciate.
Joanna Parsons Submitted: Tuesday, October 24, 2000	I personally think that Parks are an integral part of our society. They are important as educational tools and to protect endangered animals. However, I think that development within Parks goes against the very reason for their existence. Parks are created or should be created as a safe haven for animals and plants. With development comes roads and other infrastructure. All you have to do is read or hear about the plight of the wolf and how their natural corridors are interrupted by roads created to allow better access by humans. These are senseless deaths. Parks must remain pristine and in their natural state. This goal can not be attained if we permit development. Although Parks can be and should be used for education however I think human visitations should be kept to a minimum or so that the "footprint" is as light as possible. Humans inevitably destroy natural areas whether it involves littering, or misuse. I have seen many natural areas in B.C. destroyed by mountain bikers. Even if someone should neglect to use the path for instance. It is essential that we preserve as much land as possible so as to ensure the continued existence of future generations. And to ensure that animals and plants will exist for them and not simply a picture in a story book.