VAUGHAN — The Ontario government is awarding education bursaries funded by Ontario Parks’ corporate partners to 40 students in recognition of their leadership, initiative and commitment to customer service while working in provincial parks, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.
“This partnership bursary program is a great way to recognize the creativity and energy that young people bring to our provincial parks system,” said Ramsay. “Today’s recipients have shown both tremendous enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to customer service, and I congratulate and thank them for a job well done. My thanks also go to the various corporate partners for their continued support of this program.”
Now in its seventh year, the bursary program, which is entirely funded by corporate partners, provides each student with a grant of $500 towards post-secondary education. The awards ceremony, attended by seven bursary winners, was held at Bass Pro Shops in Vaughan today.
“This bursary program both rewards young people for their initiative and encourages them to achieve their potential by pursuing post-secondary education,” said Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Chris Bentley.
“These students make a significant contribution to the operation of Ontario’s provincial parks,” said Dave Jessop, manager of Bass Pro Shops in Vaughan. “Through their efforts, the quality of the park experience in Ontario is measurably enhanced.”
“Pentax Canada is very proud to support the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary program,” said Christine Otani, marketing coordinator for Pentax Canada. “Over the past four years, it has been our pleasure to attend the bursary ceremony and meet some of these outstanding students. I offer my hearty congratulations to this year’s recipients.”
The Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Program is open to students working in Ontario Parks or within a ‘Friends of’ organization. Co-workers, the public, or a supervisor may nominate candidates. Nominees are judged on their customer service, initiative, leadership, public recognition, overall dedication and promotion of the provincial parks system.
Steve Payne
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2103
Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)
