In a bid to reach out to new Canadians, the provincial government has created an online guidebook in several languages to help people enjoy Alberta’s abundant natural beauty.
Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady announced Friday the service will make it easier for newcomers to access provincial parks.
Classic view of a cloudfree Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/
“It can be very intimidating to them,” she said of the prospect of immigrants heading out to the wilds for the first time.
“This is a beginning entry point for new Canadians to enjoy our outdoors.”
Individuals can access a 45-page guidebook online in French, Punjabi, Tagalog (Filipino), Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Arabic and English.
Ady said new arrivals often come from countries where camping isn’t an option and the guide will help them enjoy the experience and also know the dos and don’ts of using provincial parks.
“The last thing you want them to do is go out to Kananaskis and strike out for the top of the mountain,” she said.
The guidebook, available at www.albertaparks.ca/naturelanguage, will act as a first step in ensuring people have a good time when they take to the road.
“We have a beautiful backyard,” Ady boasted.
“As a province, we’re known for our hospitality and our beautiful landscapes.”
Immigration Minister Theresa Woopaw said as an individual who left her homeland of Hong Kong for Canada as a child, she can appreciate the trepidation newcomers have about Alberta’s great outdoors.
She said language barriers can discourage them from trying such new experiences.
“These guidebooks will help break down some of those barriers,” Woopaw said.
“Alberta’s blessed with an abundance of natural resources and we want each and every Albertan to experience that for themselves.”
As well as online, the guidebooks are available at select park offices.
Source: Calgary Sun
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