The National Parks Act is a Canadian

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

 federal law

Law of Canada

The Canadian legal system has its foundation in the British common law system, inherited from being a former colony of the United Kingdom and later a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Quebec, however, still retains a civil system for issues of private law...

 that regulates protection of natural areas of national significance.

National parks

The act enables Parks Canada

Parks Canada

Parks Canada , also known as the Parks Canada Agency , is an agency of the Government of Canada mandated to protect and present nationally significant natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative...

 to designate and maintain national parks and national parks reserves. Within these, additional wildland areas may be designated. Natural resources in protected area

Protected area

Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...

s are dedicated to the "benefit, education and enjoyment" of the people of Canada. Development in the national parks have to be authorised by Parks Canada, subject to the provisions of this Act.

National parks reserves

National Park Reserves are defined as protected areas that have not yet been brought under federal jurisdiction due to outstanding matters (such as aboriginal

Aboriginal peoples in Canada

Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada and are commonly considered pejorative....

 rights).

Wilderness areas

Wilderness areas are lands within national parks, that are found in a natural state, or are capable of returning to a natural state. Any activity that may impair the wilderness character of these areas is restricted, with the possible exception of activities regarding public safety, basic visitor facilities and park administration.

Establishing parks

New parks are established by the Parliament of Canada

Parliament of Canada

The Parliament of Canada is the federal legislative branch of Canada, seated at Parliament Hill in the national capital, Ottawa. Formally, the body consists of the Canadian monarch—represented by her governor general—the Senate, and the House of Commons, each element having its own officers and...

either in areas owned by the federal government or where the federal government has management rights in agreement with provincial governments. Long term management plans have to be developed within five years of parks establishment.

External links

• Department of Justice Canada - Canada National Parks Act
• National Park Warden Association Federal Peace Officers responsible for enforcing the Canada National Parks Act