“Across the country, Canadians are taking time to appreciate Canada’s parks on Parks Day. Albertans are no exception, as we enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful wild recreational spaces.

“I encourage everyone to explore the hundreds of parks, public lands and protected areas this province has to offer, and to take part in special activities planned for this celebration.

“To help conserve special outdoor spaces and improve visitor experiences, in 2020 and 2021 combined, Alberta’s government is investing more than $300 million to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, natural features and buildings in provincial parks and on public lands. More boots on the ground, including conservation officers, are helping enforce the rules, protect our parks and increase safety.

“This includes capital as part of Alberta’s economic recovery with $128 million for new and improved buildings, trails and campgrounds throughout our provincial parks that will create and maintain jobs in local economies across Alberta. By increasing investments in our parks, the Government of Alberta is moving quickly with construction-ready projects with large local impacts that will help put Alberta’s economy back in the fast lane.

“Government’s commitment to environmental conservation goes far beyond its funding for Alberta parks. We will continue funding groups such as Cows and Fish, which works to protect riparian habitat in the Eastern Slopes. In 2021-22, we are also investing $15 million in land conservation projects through the Land Stewardship Fund. This includes $10 million through the Land Trust Grant program and $5 million through the Land Purchase program.

“Provincial parks and public lands are some of our province’s greatest treasures. We want Albertans, Canadians and international visitors to enjoy them while continuing to preserve their natural beauty. That’s why Alberta’s government announced it is planning the creation of Big Island Provincial Park and a massive expansion of protected forest in the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland. The expansion will add about 355,000 acres of land to the protected area in northeastern Alberta – almost three times the size of Waterton Lakes National Park.

“We treasure our parks and want all Albertans to enjoy them this summer.”