Parks Canada
| Parks Canada | |
|---|---|
| Parcs Canada | |
 |
|
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | May 19, 1911 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Canada |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Employees | 4,000 |
| Annual budget | $500 million |
| Minister responsible | Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment |
| Agency executive | Alan Latourelle, Chief Executive Officer |
| Website | |
| Parks Canada | |
Parks Canada (French: Parcs Canada), also known as the Parks Canada Agency (French:Agence Parcs Canada), is an agency of the Government of Canada mandated to protect and present nationally significant natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.[1] Parks Canada manages 42 National Parks (including seven National Park Reserves), four National Marine Conservation Areas, one National Landmark, and 167 National Historic Sites of Canada. The agency also administers the Canadian Register of Historic Places, a registry of historic sites in Canada.
Contents |
[edit] History
Parks Canada was established on May 19, 1911, as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior, becoming the world's first national park service.[2] Since its creation, its name has changed, known variously as the Dominion Parks Branch, National Parks Branch, Parks Canada, and the Canadian Parks Service, before a return to Parks Canada in 1998. The service's activities are regulated under the provisions of the Canada National Parks Act, which was enacted in 1930, and amended in 2000.
[edit] Organization
The Parks Canada Agency was established as a separate service entity in 1998, and falls under the responsibility of Environment Canada. Before 2003, Parks Canada (under various names) fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Canadian Heritage, where it had been since 1994. From 1979 to 1994, Parks Canada was part of the Department of Environment, and before it was part of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (1966 to 1978), and the Department of the Interior.[3] With the organizational shifts and political leadership in Canada, the priorities of Parks Canada have shifted over the years more towards conservation and away from development.[3] Starting in the 1960s, Parks Canada has also moved to decentralize its operations.[3]
Parks Canada is currently headed by Alan Latourelle who was reappointed on August 7, 2007[4].[5] As of 2004, the annual budget for Parks Canada is approximately $500 million, and the agency has 4,000 employees.[1]
Prior to Latourelle's appointment on August 8, 2002, the Parks Canada CEO was Tom Lee[6].
[edit] Enforcement
Parks Canada employs Park Wardens to protect natural and cultural resources, campground patrols and to protect the safety of visitors to national parks and marine conservation areas.[7] They are designated under section 18 of the Canada National Parks Act and have the authority of peace officers. They carry firearm and other use of force options.[8]
The Minister may also designate provincial and local enforcement officers under section 19 of the Act for the purpose of enforcing laws within the specified parks. These officers have the power of peace officers only in relation to the Act.
[edit] See also
- List of National Parks of Canada
- Pingo National Landmark
- Parks Canada Players
- National Park Service
- Ontario Parks
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Parks Canada Agency Annual Report, 2003-2004". Parks Canada. http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/rpts/rp-pa-2003-2004/chart_E.asp. Retrieved 2006-07-18.
- ^ Irish, Paul (May 13, 2011). "Parks Canada celebrates a century of discovery". Toronto Star. http://www.thestar.com/travel/northamerica/article/990243--parks-canada-celebrates-a-century-of-discovery. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
- ^ a b c Hildebrandt, Walter (1995). Historical Analysis of Parks Canada and Banff National Park, 1968-1995. Banff-Bow Valley Study.
- ^ "Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service". Office of the Prime Minister. 2007-05-15.
- ^ "CEO's Message". Parks Canada. http://www.pc.gc.ca/agen/dg_ceo_e.asp. Retrieved 2006-07-18.
- ^ "Parks Canada News Releases and Backgrounders". Parks Canada. 2002-08-08. http://www.pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp?id=611&andor1=nr. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
- ^ Jobs at Parks Canada
- ^ National park wardens to get sidearms in 2009
[edit] Bibliography
- Campbell, Claire Elizabeth, ed. Century of Parks Canada, 1911-2011 (University of Calgary Press, 2011), 447pp; essays by experts that trace the history of the agency
- Hildebrandt, Walter. Historical Analysis of Parks Canada and Banff National Park, 1968-1995 (1995)
[edit] External links
- Parks Canada Official Website
- Parks Canada's channel on YouTube
- Park Wardens.com Information about Canada's ecozones
- National Park Warden Association
- Parks Canada Players
- 100 Years of Parks Canada, National Film Board of Canada website
- Claire Campbell, ed., A Century of Parks Canada, 1911-2011, Free eBook
- Parks Canada article in the Canadian Encyclopedia
.svg){kind=small}
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coordinates: 45°25′32″N 75°43′14″W / 45.425503°N 75.720423°W
