The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF)

March 19, 2002

The Ten Most Endangered National Parks report details major problems in several of Canada’s parks, including Prince Edward Island National Park, Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the West Coast.

“Canadians trust that our parks are truly protected — set aside for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Julie Gelfand, executive director of the Canadian Nature Federation. “Unfortunately, our most cherished parks are at risk from everything from over-use to industrial activity.”

This is the second time the CNF has released an analysis of the state of our parks. The first time was in 1999, shortly before the release of the recommendations of a blue-chip panel, appointed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, to look into Canada’s parks system — most of which have not been implemented due to a lack of funding.

“Two years later, there is a need for new money and for a rededication to the commitments made by the Minister. I’m deeply concerned that we’re losing the opportunity to save our national parks for future generations,” said Jacques Gérin, the chair of the Panel on the Ecological Integrity of Canada’s National Parks. “Time is running out.”

“The Minister made a commitment to Canadians to restore our national parks, “ said Christie Spence, CNF’s Wildlands Campaign Manager. “Some progress has been made, but our parks will continue to deteriorate until there are sufficient resources and genuine political will to address these issues.”

Prince Edward Island National Park tops the list as the most endangered national park of all of Canada’s 39 parks, as it did in 1999.

For more information, please contact:
Christie Spence, CNF Wildlands Campaign Manager
(613) 562 8208 x223, Cell: (613) 762-0048

For the complete report, please visit the TOP 10 CNF web site .