Métis Albertans eligible for free five-year Parks Canada passes
A program that grants Métis Albertans free access to Canada's national parks has been expanded and altered to ensure those enrolled will not have to show identification during each visit.
The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) and Parks Canada announced Monday that, effective immediately, MNA Park Passes will be valid for five years and available as placards that can be displayed in a vehicle.
"Métis citizens have a long and deep connection to the land and this initiative is very meaningful to many Métis people throughout Alberta," said Audrey Poitras, MNA president. "Partnerships like these are an important part of reconciliation and we’re proud to work with Parks Canada on this significant endeavour.”"
Prior to the change, Métis Albertans were required to provide proof of status when entering the parks to receive free admission as part of the program that began in 2018.
"Parks Canada places strive to tell the rich and varied stories of the natural environment, including those of Indigenous peoples," said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. "Parks Canada recognizes that the cultures and identities of Métis people are rooted in the land. That’s why I am pleased this partnership with the Métis Nation of Alberta will offer custom Park Passes starting this season. This partnership is an important step towards reconciliation with Métis people across the province."
Eligible Albertans may register for the passes at Métis Nation of Alberta.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion, official says
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.