Ottawa — The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today welcomed visitors to the canals managed by Parks Canada. The navigation season for most of the canals opens today across the country and the length of the 2012 operating season for the Rideau Canal will remain unchanged.
“Our government recognizes the importance of these canals to tourism and local businesses,” said Pierre Poilievre, MP for Nepean-Carleton. “I am pleased that the communities in my riding will now have the opportunity to consult with Parks Canada before any changes are made the navigation season along the historic Rideau Canal.”
“As the government implements changes to next year’s navigation season, Parks Canada will work closely with local stakeholders, Members of Parliament and partners to minimize, where possible, the impacts of these changes on neighbouring communities and partners in the tourism community,” said Kent.
The Rideau Canal is important to the tourism industry in communities like Manotick where many local businesses rely on it. The Government of Canada and Parks Canada will continue to work together to ensure that all our iconic destinations remain cornerstones of the Canadian tourism experience.