Harper Government announces new investments in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Halifax, NS – July 29, 2015 – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Parks Canada

Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, and Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced infrastructure investments totalling $2.6 million in several Parks Canada projects in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.

This investment includes infrastructure work renewing two of Kejimkujik’s timber bridges. It also includes conservation and restoration projects restoring the seaside coastal ecosystem as well as work to preserve Kejimkujik’s fishing legacy by preventing the introduction of invasive fish species that harm native species at risk such as Brook trout, Blanding’s turtle and American eels.

Parks Canada is a global leader in national park conservation and ecological restoration and countries around the world recognize its success in maintaining and restoring the ecological integrity of our national parks. Parks Canada is supporting the National Conservation Plan (NCP) and by taking concrete action in the three priority areas: conserving Canada’s lands and waters, restoring Canada’s ecosystems, and connecting Canadians to nature. In addition, the ongoing work of Parks Canada significantly contributes to the National Conservation Plan’s stated goals of encouraging local initiatives and partnerships that lead to tangible results.

Quick Facts

• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is the only Parks Canada site designated both a national park and a national historic site. With 381 square kilometres of rolling hills and waterways, Kejimkujik is a gentle wilderness where generations of families have canoed, camped and connected to nature. It is a Dark Sky Preserve and a biodiversity hotspot that protects vital habitat of the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve within two separate regions – an inland parcel and a coastal region (Kejimkujik Seaside). The land also tells the tale of the Mi’kmaq, carved in stone and illuminated through story and legend.
• Kejimkujik welcomes over 30,000 visitors every year.  Last year, more than 21 million visits were made to Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
• Parks Canada is present in hundreds of communities across Canada and contributes approximately $3 billion dollars to the Canadian economy every year. Parks Canada’s overall contribution to the Canadian economy is responsible for more than 40,000 jobs from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes

“This investment in Kejimkujik National Park will help to protect and preserve the boundless opportunities for adventure, recreation, learning, environmental stewardship, inspiration and self-renewal that this site offers.”

-Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a major part of the regional economy. Not only will these investments help to preserve this national treasure for future generations, but they will also help support the local tourism industry and create jobs and economic opportunities.”

-Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margaret’s

“Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is a world-renown destination that attracts a large number of visitors to this area. It is inspiring to see our Federal Government recognize that this investment not only benefits this particular Parks Canada site but all its neighbouring regions as well. A sincere thank you goes out to MP Greg Kerr who brought us the wonderful news today of $2.6 million going to Kejimkujik.”

-Reg Ritchie, Warden of Annapolis County

“Kejimkujik National Park and its Seaside extension provide wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities for both the residents of Queens and our visitors. It’s exciting the Government of Canada is re-investing in the infrastructure of these two lovely areas.”

-Christopher Clarke, Mayor, Region of Queens

Related product

• Backgrounder: (Kejimkujik National Park Infrastructure Investments)

Additional links

• National Conservation Plan
• Parks Canada: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

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Media contacts

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

Jessica Brown
A/Communications Officer
Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
902-426-1553 (office) / 902-483-5184 (cell)
Jessica.brown@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
www.twitter.com/parkscanada

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