Greg Rickford with the Pinewood School Grade 8 Students

On Tuesday, May 18, Conservative MP for the Kenora riding, Greg Rickford, presented Grade 8 classes in Riverview and Pinewood schools with a “My Parks Pass.”

Announced by Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the “My Parks Pass” program gives Grade 8 students across Canada free access to Canada’s national parks and historic sites.  This will allow over 400,000 students across Canada to access the country’s national parks for free for a 12 month period.

“I’m very pleased to be passing on this exciting news to our Grade 8 students,” said Rickford.  “Parks Canada offers some of the most unique and relevant places to appreciate Canada.  This new opportunity is a great way for students to connect with Canada’s natural and historical treasures.”

The passes provide access to 27 national parks and 68 historic sites across the country, and will offer all Grade 8 students free access on school trips, as well as discounts to families when visiting with a “My Parks Pass” holder.

“Canada’s future lies in the hands of its youth, Parks Canada and I are especially proud to place a key to the nation’s greatest treasures in those young hands,” said Minister Prentice.  “The ‘My Parks Pass’ will open the doors to Grade 8 students to connect their hearts and minds to the places and events that embody the very essence of Canada.”

- Ally Dunham