Trudeau promises to waive park fees for Canada’s 150th anniversary
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau promised to suspend national park fees in 2017 to commemorate Canada's 150th anniversary during the unveiling of his party's environmental platform in Vancouver, June 29.
Beginning in 2018, he also promised to make admission free for all children and any person who has become a Canadian citizen within the previous 12 months.
He also promised to restore $25 million in funding cuts to Parks Canada and increase science spending by $2 million per year to allow for early identification of ecological stresses and to avoid permanent degradation.
The platform also included a promise to develop a road map to meet Canada's international commitment to protect 17 per cent of the country's land and inland waters by 2020 and invest $50 million annually to advance the development of Canada's parks system, national wildlife areas and migratory bird sanctuaries.
Municipality hires new director of finance
Natasha Malenchak is Jasper’s new director of finance and administration.
Malenchak, who was hired in June, previously worked as the manager at the fitness and aquatic centre and brings 18 years of public service experience to the job.
She was selected from a pool of 31 candidates across Canada.
According to a press release, she has extensive knowledge of the municipality’s financial software, budgeting processes, collective agreement, bylaws and policies.
During her transition she will be working closely with Lavinia Henderson, who is currently under contract with the municipality to provide interim finance and administrative services.
Malenchak replaces Alice Lettner, who was director of finance for seven years.
Municipality launches new website
The municipality launched a new, mobile-friendly website making it easier for residents, visitors and staff to find what they are looking for.
The website allows frequent users to create a profile and receive emails or text messages to keep up to date with everything that is happening at the municipality.
For municipal staff, a new drag-and-drop editing tool will make it easier for staff to make updates and keep website content current, accurate and responsive to customers’ needs.
Important online services such as request forms, schedules, documents and archives are now easier to access.
More features and services will become available as the website develops.
