GOOSE BAY, Labrador, July 9, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency, today announced that Parks Canada will contribute $44,000 to THEM DAYS Inc. to support the production of a publication highlighting the Mealy Mountain (Akamiuapishku) National Park Study Area located in Labrador.

“We are pleased to be able to participate financially in this excellent initiative to present the significance of the national park study area in concert with such a recognized and respected community heritage organization,” said Minister Dion. “This very beautiful area that has always been called home by the peoples of Labrador is certainly worth protecting and presenting for all Canadians and international visitors to enjoy, appreciate and live memorable experiences.”

THEM DAYS Inc. is an award-winning, not-for profit organization dedicated to keeping the history of Labrador alive by documenting and preserving the “old ways and early days” of Labrador. The Parks Canada contribution will assist THEM DAYS in meeting its objectives and support the feasibility study that the Agency has initiated to determine whether a national park of Canada can be established in the Mealy Mountains (Akamiuapishku) region of Labrador. Parks Canada’s contribution to the THEM DAYS initiative will also allow the organization to present all aspects of the natural and cultural history of the area to the public.

“This publication will help to create awareness of the advantages and benefits that a national park could bring to this region, and of the unique natural landscapes and ecosystems that it would protect,” said Todd Russell, MP for Labrador. “It also speaks to the deep love local people have for this land.”

The THEM DAYS publication will provide considerable indirect benefits to Parks Canada by strengthening the people’s connection with their land and demonstrating Parks Canada’s leadership in working with the people of central Labrador during the feasibility study. In turn, the Parks Canada contribution affirms the Agency’s commitment to the Mealy Mountain (Akamiuapishku) Study Area Publication Project, and confirms its interest in working cooperatively with Aboriginal groups and regional communities in presenting significant examples of their unique heritage.

On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of its heritage treasures in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

The proposed Mealy Mountains national park of Canada is one of the 10 new national parks of Canada that the Government of Canada expects to establish by 2008. This park would represent the East Coast Boreal Natural Region in the national park system. Currently, 41 national parks and park reserves represent 27 of Canada’s 39 natural terrestrial regions, and protect over 260,000 km2 of Canada.

Information:

Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

Josianne Jalbert
Media Relations Office
Parks Canada
(819) 994-3024