Federal government puts $27.5M into Canada’s biggest national park

OTTAWA – The federal government is putting up $27.5 million over the next five years for Canada’s biggest national park after concerns about its status as a world heritage site.

Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna announced the money for Wood Buffalo National Park, which covers almost 45,000 square kilometres of grasslands, wetlands and waterways in northern Alberta.

She says the investment will support development of a plan to ensure the future of the world heritage site.

The area’s Mikisew Cree complained to UNESCO some years ago that Wood Buffalo’s environmental values are being downgraded by oilsands activity, climate change and hydro development.

UNESCO investigated in 2016 and last year warned that it might put the park on its list of endangered sites.

A committee issued a report with 17 recommendations and gave Canada until this year to explain how it would step up conservation efforts.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today