FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa — Liberal Tourism critic Joyce Murray made the following statement today on Stephen Harper’s naming of a new national park reserve:
“After slashing $29 million from Parks Canada, reducing the number of technical staff and scientists, and undermining the integrity and health of Canada’s world-renowned parks, it is extremely hypocritical that the Prime Minister Harper is now announcing the creation of a new national park reserve.
This Conservative government has attacked rural communities and tourist economies, undermined the integrity and health of Canada’s world-renowned parks, and hurt relationships with Aboriginal peoples. Furthermore, the government is planning to increase user fees at national parks and historic sites, which will mean a greater cost to tourists and an additional tax on small businesses operating nearby. That’s just not fair.
If the Prime Minister is really committed to our national parks, he should stop using them as convenient backdrops for photo-ops and immediately restore funding to Parks Canada so that these important parts of our heritage are preserved.”
MP Murray is inviting all those concerned about the cuts to Parks Canada to click here to sign and share the petition: Tell Harper: Save Canada’s national parks and historic sites!”
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Contact:
Jeff Guignard
Office of Joyce Murray, MP
613-992-2430
