CPAWS launches video contest for Canadians to Celebrate National Parks

OTTAWA, July 16 /CNW Telbec/ - On the eve of Parks Day and to celebrate 125 years of national parks in Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is launching a nation-wide online video contest to inspire Canadians to share their stories of our treasured national parks.

CPAWS is launching Celebrate Canada's Parks Video Contest, with the support of Parks Canada, with the aim of engaging and inspiring Canadians to share their feelings about our great national parks. The contest is designed to bring parks to people - no matter where they live - using video to showcase what makes a particular national park so appealing and memorable. Using the resources available, videos can include photos, unique features about a park and personal experience to tell the story of a particular national park.

"We hope that through this contest Canadians will learn more about our national parks and be inspired to get out and experience these national treasures for themselves," says Eric Hébert-Daly, Executive Director for CPAWS.

The first place winner will receive a guided trip down the world-famous South Nahanni River through the recently expanded Nahanni National Park Reserve, courtesy of Nahanni River Adventures. Other prizes include a video camera, gift certificates from Mountain Equipment Co-op and Parks Canada Discovery Passes. The top 10 videos will be selected through online voting, from which the top three will be selected by a panel of judges. In addition, one entry will be randomly selected each week to win a prize.

"My trip down the Nahanni River last summer was one of the most memorable outdoor experiences of my life," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. "I am delighted to know that thanks to this partnership, the winner will have the opportunity to experience Nahanni National Park, a true gem that was expanded by our government last year."

"Parks Canada's collaboration with CPAWS is a wonderful way to highlight the 125th anniversary of national parks in Canada. We're excited about this project and the opportunity it brings us to use social media for engaging Canadians, and I look forward to seeing the creative approaches for showing to the world Canada's amazing natural places and unforgettable experiences!" said Alan Latourelle, CEO of Parks Canada.

The contest runs from July 17 until October 12, 2010. Participants are asked to select a national park and create a 2 minute video about what makes that park so special. No video experience is required. CPAWS would like to thank Parks Canada, Nahanni River Adventures and Mountain Equipment Co-op who helped make this contest possible.

For more information about the contest visit the website at www.celebrateparks.ca

High resolution photos can be downloaded at www.cpaws.org

About CPAWS

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada's national community-based voice for public wilderness protection. Its vision is to protect at least 50% of Canada's wild spaces. Since 1963 CPAWS has taken a lead role in establishing two-thirds of Canada's protected areas. www.cpaws.org

About Parks Canada

On behalf of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

For further information: CPAWS, Jill Sturdy, National Conservation and Outreach Coordinator, 613 569 7226 x232, 613 276 7226 (cell), [email protected]; Parks Canada, Media Relations, 819 994 3023, http://twitter.com/ParksCanada