Celebrating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

Press Release

Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Program Provides Awards to Summer Students

November 22, 2019

PETERBOROUGH —Ontario’s government is recognizing the excellence and leadership of student employees who worked in provincial parks this year and helped Ontario Parks deliver a world-class experience for its visitors.

Today, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks recognized this year’s winners of the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Awards. Recipients were nominated by their peers, the public or supervisors based on customer service, leadership, initiative and overall dedication and promotion of the Ontario Parks system.

“I am pleased to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Awards,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “It is remarkable to see the dedication these young students have to protecting and enhancing our parks so we and future generations can enjoy them. The expansion and promotion of access to provincial parks is an important part of our draft Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, and the hard work of this next generation of environmental stewards will help us achieve this important commitment.”

For the past 20 years, the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary program has recognized the great work of students, their dedicated service and commitment to protecting the environment. The Amber Booth Award was also presented to a student whose efforts stand out in the areas of health, safety and wellness.

Ontario is committed to protecting natural areas, supporting conservation efforts and promoting the importance of healthy, natural spaces for future generations to use and enjoy, as outlined in our draft Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.