MALLORYTOWN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Mar 28, 2013) - Today, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, officially unveiled Thousand Islands National Park of Canada. With Royal Assent of the Private Members Bill-C370 yesterday at 4 p.m., the name of St. Lawrence Islands National Park was officially changed to Thousand Islands National Park of Canada.

"The name Thousand Islands National Park will help this national park renew its place in the consciousness of Canadians and inspire future generations to continue support for this long established protected treasure," said MP Brown. "The Thousand Islands is known throughout the world as a tourism destination, and Parks Canada can now take advantage of this strong brand and align their public offering with those of other regional tourism providers."

The initiative to rename the park was led by MP Gord Brown. After consulting with local municipalities, business organizations and the Park, he introduced the name change as a bill in parliament. The new name better associates the park with its setting and helps promote and support natural and cultural tourism and related businesses within the Thousand Islands region.

"This name change presents an opportunity to renew Canadians' passion and support for our country's treasured natural spaces," said Minister Kent. "Placing Thousand Islands National Park on the map is a small but significant step that will help enhance public awareness of this incredible park."

Thousand Islands is an internationally recognized brand and with this name change, Parks Canada will contribute its known quality of service, and its ability to work with private companies to offer incredible experiences for Canadians and international visitors.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our country's treasured natural and historic places.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

BACKGROUNDER

Thousand Islands National Park

Established in 1904 St. Lawrence Islands National Park was created greatly due to the efforts of community residents to have a national park in the area. It is unclear why the name St. Lawrence Islands National Park was selected as the original park name, although historical records refer to the area as "islands situated in the River St. Lawrence" and "islands in the St. Lawrence which comprise the Thousand Islands Group."

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Government of Canada Names Thousand Islands National Park