June 10, 2024                              Ottawa, Ontario                                Parks Canada

The vast network of protected areas administered by Parks Canada is a gateway to nature, history, and 450 000 km² of stories from coast to coast to coast.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament, Ottawa–Vanier, Ron Hallman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada, and Tim Joyce, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Canadian Geographic unveiled the new Protecting Nature and Culture with Parks Canada Giant Floor Map. The unveiling was held at the headquarters of Canadian Geographic in Ottawa with the French Immersion Grades 5/6 class from Meadowlands Public School.

Parks Canada is always looking for a variety of ways to connect with Canadians and broaden awareness of Parks Canada administered places. Collaborating with other organizations on new and innovative programs and services enables more Canadians, including youth, to discover and develop a strong sense of connection, understanding and appreciation of protected places.

A collaboration between Parks Canada and Canadian Geographic, the Protecting Nature and Culture with Parks Canada Giant Floor Map is an interactive educational resource that will take students on a trip to explore national historic sites, national parks, national marine conservation areas, and the national urban park administered by Parks Canada. Along the way, students will learn more about the importance of conservation, diverse wildlife, geography, cultures, and histories in Canada and be inspired to step off the map ready to join Parks Canada and its partners in protecting nature and culture across the country.

Canadian Geographic has one of the largest networks of classroom educators across the country with 27,000 teachers reaching 700,000 students located in every province and territory. Printed on an 88 square metre piece of high-quality vinyl, Giant Floor Maps are free resources available to educators and educational organizations. They offer students an opportunity to discover and explore diverse aspects of Canadian geography in a unique and interactive way that accommodates various learning styles and all grade levels.

Starting in September 2024, educators and educational organizations from all provinces and territories will be able to reserve the new Protecting Nature and Culture with Parks Canada Giant Floor Map for their students, at no cost, by visiting the Canadian Geographic Education website.

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