Strong Majority of Albertans Oppose Government Changes to Parks
For immediate release, March 19, 2020
Edmonton – A new public opinion survey shows the vast majority of Albertans oppose the changes to Alberta parks announced with the 2020 provincial budget.
On March 2, 2020 Alberta Environment and Parks announced the full or partial closure of 20 parks and the removal of 164 parks from the Alberta Parks System resulting in the loss of 39 percent of Alberta’s parks and removal of the protections to conservation values and quality of recreation experience that are provided through a parks designation.
A statistically valid public opinion survey conducted recently shows that almost 7 in 10 Albertans oppose the closure or removal of these parks from the parks system.
The poll was conducted as part of an omnibus survey by the market and social research firm Leger from March 12 to 16, 2020, and included a sample size of 1002 randomly selected respondents from across the province. Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the Alberta population according to census parameters. The poll was conducted using Leger’s online panel, which includes over 450,000 Canadians. For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 1000 Albertans is accurate within ± 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Majority opposition to parks closures and removal of parks from the system was consistent across Alberta, in urban, suburban and rural areas, and across age groups and income levels.
Half of Albertans also oppose the announcement to transfer facilities and management of parks removed from the system to third parties and reduce government services such as the closure of two popular visitor centres in Kananaskis and ending cross-country ski grooming and track setting in three areas in Kananaskis.
While the poll shows strong opposition, it is important that Albertans let their MLAs know that they and the majority of Albertans do not support these changes. Write your MLA by using this tool bit.ly/DefendABParks or give them a call to let them know that you love Alberta parks.
See the full survey results here: https://cpawsnab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CPAWS-OMNI.pdf
See our Media Statement more information on CPAWS’ concerns with the closure and removal of parks from the park system: https://cpawsnab.org/cpaws-statement-on-albertas-parks-closures-and-privatization/
Media Contacts:
Katie Morrison
Conservation Director, CPAWS Southern Alberta
BACKGROUNDER
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land and water and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the biodiversity within them. Over the last 50+ years, CPAWS has played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory. Our vision is to protect at least half of our public land and water so that future generations can experience Canada’s irreplaceable wilderness.
CPAWS has chapters in almost every province and territory across Canada, and two chapters here in Alberta – a Southern Alberta chapter located in Calgary and a Northern Alberta chapter located in Edmonton. As a collaborative organization, CPAWS works closely with government of all levels, industry representatives, and communities to manage our impact on a shared landscape. We also advocate for the creation of parks and protected areas for the benefit of both current and future generations of Canadians.
Take Action
Share your support for National Urban Parks
Email your MLA to let them know you support National Urban Parks and would like to see Alberta be a part of a national network of urban parks.
Take Action
STAY INFORMED
Protect the Wilderness
To receive news and updates from CPAWS Northern Alberta, including opportunities to get involved, join our mailing list below.
Subscribe