Dear Editor,
As I attended the Parks Canada Annual Review Open House some weeks ago, it came 鈥渙fficially鈥� to my attention that Parks is looking at an 鈥渋n-house鈥� proposal to develop an RV group campground alongside the riverbank out by the Jasper airfield.
Due to being an 鈥渋n-house鈥� proposal, it has not really come into public light.
Currently administrative officials are discussing what kind of environmental impact assessment this proposal should receive.
The choice is A) a BASIC impact assessment (IA), which keeps the entire project and decision making in the hands of Parks Canada employees/administrators and away from public light, or B) a DETAILED IA, which requires Parks Canada to inform, as well as consult, the Canadian public prior to making changes or decisions.
We all know how close Parks holds its cards these days.
Can the organization be trusted?
Those working inside the system find themselves in vulnerable positions, sadly.
As a tax paying Canadian, I feel more inclined than ever to ask for the disclosure of plans and request a publicly accessible process.
I am told this is best achieved in directing a letter to Parks Canada officials, expressing a request for detailed information and updates on the proposal. Let鈥檚 get to it!
I encourage our public to be awake and diligent so as to retain a reasonably wholesome national park, our freedom, our responsibilities, as well as rights and our democracy.
Ursula Winkler
Jasper, Alta.
