NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 830-624/25

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Parks
Victoria, British Columbia - September 30, 1998

CANADA'S PARKS MINISTERS DISCUSS PROGRESS ON
PROTECTED AREA NETWORKS

VICTORIA - September 30, 1998 - Canada's federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for parks met today to discuss progress as they work to protect representative eco-systems across the country. The ministers were meeting for the third consecutive year to discuss accomplishments and common challenges.

B.C.'s Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks Cathy McGregor said the meeting brings together parks ministers to share their challenges, approaches and solutions for the establishment of protected area networks across the country. "Protected area stewardship is important to all levels of government, so we must work toward a common goal for the planning and management of these areas."

Ministers discussed other key topics including the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, marine conservation and protected areas and the Trans Canada Trail. Managing and financing parks in Canada was also a focus in the meeting.

Secretary of State (Parks) Andy Mitchell said, "We continue to create new protected areas across Canada using innovative structural and financial approaches reflective of local conditions. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to share experiences and discuss various protection strategies."

McGregor said all governments face challenges managing and financing protected areas for conservation and recreation. "B.C.'s Park Legacy Panel is due to release its final report in early 1999, presenting innovative ideas for managing our expanding system of protected areas. I look forward to sharing that report with my federal, provincial and territorial colleagues."

The parks ministers agreed the annual meetings should continue, and decided to reconvene in Quebec City in 1999.

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Contact:

Beth Wilhelm, (250) 953-4577 or cell (250) 213-6880 Media Relations Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Victoria

J.L. (Jim) Barlow, (250) 363-8564 cell (250) 812-8133 Field Unit Superintendent Canadian Heritage Parks Canada Victoria

Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS)

webmaster@scics.x400.gc.ca