A dangerous precedent for provincial parks

When it comes to environmental/conservation concerns, we usually stick to water issues. However, there are exceptions, and this is one of them.

News about Bill 29 began to surface during the first part of November, while we were away on a short holiday.

However, the email letter that is copied below arrived just two days ago.

Please go to the CPAWS - Southern Alberta Chapter website for more information, including links that can be used to contact the Alberta Government on this issue.

Here is some additional information from the Environmental Law Centre in Edmonton. And also a letter written to Minister Ady from the Alberta Wilderness Association.

There is some urgency, as we understand a decision on Bill 29 could be made as early as this week.


A dangerous precedent for provincial parks

In a move that could set a dangerous precedent for all of Canada's provincial parks, Alberta is proposing a new Parks Act that could gut park protection. The Act is being debated right now in the Alberta legislature and could be passed as early as this week. Albertans are speaking out against it and the government is starting to pay attention. Your voice will help show that the world is watching.

Please take a moment to help us ensure that Alberta does NOT turn the clock back 40 years by passing this Bill. Alberta is birthplace to Canada’s national parks and home to the famous Rocky Mountains and Kananaskis Country.

Here’s what’s wrong with the Act, Bill 29:

• It doesn't identify protecting ecological integrity as the first priority for managing provincial parks -- unlike the National Parks Act

• It proposes a new zoning system to define protected areas, but the criteria for zones are undefined

• It leaves it up to the Minister, not to conservation biologists or the public, to decide what the zones will be

• It requires no public consultation for zoning changes

• It threatens the World Heritage Areas, like the Rocky Mountain national parks in Alberta adjacent to provincial parks

Over 1,000 Albertans have already spoken up, prompting a meeting between the Minister of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and CPAWS and other conservation representatives on Friday. The Minister said she would consider our concerns, but defended the Bill's “flexibility”.

Let Alberta know that Canadian wilderness lovers from far and wide are watching:

1. Write a letter -- Add your voice to those of Albertans who have voiced concerns to the Premier and opposition parties.
2. Donate to help CPAWS speak up for parks and wilderness conservation

Thank you for helping us to defend Canada’s amazing parks and wilderness areas!