Harper Government Announces Parks Canada's 2015 Youth Ambassadors

Enabling a stronger connection to nature and history with Canadian youth

OTTAWA, May 15, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the two young Canadians who have been selected as the 2015 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Parks Canada Youth Ambassadors. These young Canadians were chosen for their vibrant and innovative ideas to learn about Canada's natural and cultural heritage and share their knowledge with their peers across the country. They have the exciting challenge to find ways to influence and encourage youth to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature across the country.

This year's ambassadors are:

• Minh-Tâm Thompson, from Kitchener, Ontario, is currently studying Anthropology with minors in Environment and Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.
• Justin Fisch, from Waverley, Nova Scotia, is currently studying Civil Law at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

Through the use of social media networks and their personal interactions with youth at colleges, universities and special events, Parks Canada's Youth Ambassadors invite young Canadians to go beyond their usual urban setting and experience Canada's magnificent natural landscapes and historical treasures. They encourage other young Canadians to explore some of Canada's most unique and interesting places first-hand – biking, kayaking, hiking and reliving history – and to share these experiences with their peers through their own networks.

Quick Facts

• Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Parks Canada Youth Ambassador Program as the Government of Canada gift to Their Royal Highnesses to commemorate the 2011 Royal Tour of Canada.
• Entering its fourth year, the Youth Ambassador Program creates a stronger link between young adults and Canada's natural landscape and history. This program offers two young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 a unique opportunity to be youth ambassadors with Parks Canada.
• The Youth Ambassador Program is one of a number of initiatives by which Parks Canada is working to connect youth to Canada's natural and cultural heritage. Programs such as My Parks Pass, Xplorer and Canada's Coolest School Trip also provide special opportunities for youth to visit and learn about Parks Canada's incredible places.
• This program supports Canada's National Conservation Plan by connecting young Canadians to nature.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to welcome Canada's 2015 Parks Canada Youth Ambassadors and looks forward to sharing their incredible passion for Canada's natural and cultural heritage with other young Canadians. This unique program is helping build connections between Canada's youth and Parks Canada's special places and is opening doors to nature and history that many in urban settings have never experienced."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"I want to engage my generation to get out and explore through laughter, adventure and exciting events. As Generation Y, we have lots of questions. I'm eager to start answering these questions this summer, and am beyond thrilled to share this amazing experience with everyone!"

Minh-Tâm Thompson, Parks Canada 2015 Youth Ambassador

"I want to show that visiting national parks and historic sites is the best way to complement the urban lifestyle lived by most twentysomethings. I am really looking forward to this great adventure."

Justin Fisch, Parks Canada 2015 Youth Ambassador

Related Product

Backgrounder – Parks Canada Youth Ambassadors 2015

Associated Links

• Parks Canada Youth Ambassador Program
• Interact online with our youth ambassadors during their adventures:
  http://www.facebook.com/OMGParksCan 
  http://twitter.com/OMGParksCan
• Watch their adventures online:
  http://www.youtube.com/user/ParksCanadaAgency

SOURCE Parks Canada

Image with caption: "Chosen for their vibrant and innovative ideas to learn about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and share their knowledge with their peers across the country, the Youth Ambassadors Justin Fisch et Minh-Tâm Thompson, have the exciting challenge to find ways to influence and encourage youth to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature across the country. (CNW Group/Parks Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150515_C6894_PHOTO_EN_16709.jpg

Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441 ; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, www.twitter.com/parkscanada