Member of Parliament Jim Eglinski announces support for local festival in Jasper

May 21, 2015 – Jasper, Alberta – Department of Canadian Heritage

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament (Yellowhead), today announced funding of $10,200 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for the 25^th edition of Canada’s Parks Day in Jasper, Alberta.

Mr. Eglinski made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will enable the Friends of Jasper National Park Association to present Canada’s Parks Day in Jasper National Park from July 17 to 19, 2015. Activities will include orchestral, acoustic and children’s musical performances, visual art demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions, historical hikes and walking tours, as well as First Nations storytelling and drumming. This year’s festival is expected to draw 4,000 visitors.

Quick Facts

• The Friends of Jasper National Park Association, established in 1983, actively promotes understanding, appreciation and respect of both the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park.
• Jasper National Park is the largest of Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Jasper National Park protects over 10,800 square kilometres of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem, which includes a diversity of wildlife, plants, rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains.
• Canada’s Parks Day, first celebrated in 1990, takes place the third weekend of July every year. It is an opportunity for Canadians to participate in a wide array of activities at parks and historic sites across the country.
• The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture, and celebrate local history and heritage.

Quotes

“Jasper National Park is a living testament to the rich natural wonders and cultural heritage of Canada’s Rocky Mountain Parks. As we celebrate the 25^th annual Canada’s Parks Day, we are proud to support Canadians’ access to programs and events that promote respect for this important natural asset.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Thanks to the ongoing efforts and vision of the Friends of Jasper National Park Association, visitors can celebrate our national parks, while accessing valuable programming and services. This year’s Canada’s Parks Day, presented by the Association, will offer three days of fun-filled entertainment for all ages.”

—Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament (Yellowhead)

“The Friends of Jasper National Park would like to thank the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for their continued support of our Parks Day event. This funding will allow us to present a fun weekend of free family events to highlight Jasper’s arts and culture. Participants can look forward to a number of outdoor experiences including music, arts, crafts, hikes, cultural teachings and much more. This event would not have been possible without this support.”

—Heather Aussant Roy, Co-Manager, Friends of Jasper National Park Association

Associated Links

Friends of Jasper National Park Association

Jasper National Park

Canada’s Parks Day

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Communications Director
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Western Region
604-666-6504

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca