Maintain the historical integrity of the Motherwell N.H.S

The Issue

The people at Parks Canada who are in charge of the budget for The MOTHERWELL HOMESTEAD N.H.S are planning on moving to self guided tours next year due to budget cuts. There are plans on eliminating the working horse program, where the land is farmed with horse drawn equipment the way it was done 100 years ago. This is the way we built this country, and without programs like this, all the effort and hardwork that was put forth by our predecessors could very easily be taken for granted and forgotten. These programs, and the people who run them, serve not only as a reminder of past years/struggles, but also as motivation and education for many generations to come.
For more information on the Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site, visit: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/sk/motherwell/natcul.aspx

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Bryan RoyPetition Starter
This petition had 780 supporters

The Issue

The people at Parks Canada who are in charge of the budget for The MOTHERWELL HOMESTEAD N.H.S are planning on moving to self guided tours next year due to budget cuts. There are plans on eliminating the working horse program, where the land is farmed with horse drawn equipment the way it was done 100 years ago. This is the way we built this country, and without programs like this, all the effort and hardwork that was put forth by our predecessors could very easily be taken for granted and forgotten. These programs, and the people who run them, serve not only as a reminder of past years/struggles, but also as motivation and education for many generations to come.
For more information on the Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site, visit: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/sk/motherwell/natcul.aspx

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Bryan RoyPetition Starter

The Decision Makers

Alan Latourelle
Alan Latourelle
Chief Executive Officer [Parks Canada]
Responded
Thank you for your letter regarding plans to move to self-guided tours at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site of Canada next season. Guided activities, including the working horse program, have been an important part of the Motherwell Homestead experience over the years. I know how much visitors appreciate this and other guided programs as well as the excellent service provided by Parks Canada staff in helping visitors learn about our history. As announced in Budget 2012, however, the Government of Canada is endeavouring to reduce the federal deficit, and Parks Canada has an obligation to do its share to help achieve that goal. The Agency is, therefore, aligning its season, hours of operation and personal service offer to better reflect patterns of visitation. As a result, it will no longer be possible to offer guided activities and programs at some sites, including Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. Parks Canada will work to ensure that self-guided activities provide an enjoyable and meaningful experience for visitors. The Agency is exploring innovative ways to present sites and their stories, such as downloadable apps for smart phones and family friendly print materials. Last year, Motherwell Homestead introduced a self guiding activity booklet for children, which has proven enormously successful. Staff will also continue to be on hand to welcome and orient visitors to the Site. Parks Canada remains committed to protecting and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and to providing exceptional opportunities for visitors to discover that heritage. In aligning its season and hours of operation with visitors’ needs, Parks Canada is able to ensure a high level of service when and where the majority of people visit the special places it manages on behalf of all Canadians. The Agency will also work with communities, regional and local tourism industries, business and partners to minimize, where possible, the impact of this change. Thank you for your interest in Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. It is a testament to the importance of this Site within the fabric of Canadian history that you have taken the time to express your concerns. Yours sincerely, Alan Latourelle Chief Executive Officer Parks Canada
Peter Kent
Peter Kent
Enironment Canada [Parks Canada]

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