Marlin Schmidt, NDP Critic for Environment and Parks, made the following statement today in response to the introduction of Bill 64, the Public Lands Amendment Act, which introduces new day-use fees for public lands.

“At a time where Albertans are looking to be outside as much as possible and explore our beautiful province, the UCP are once again doing everything they can to hammer household budgets. Bill 64, the Public Lands Amendment Act, introduces day-use fees for public lands. It’s now a $20 per-person fee for a three-day pass, and $30 per person for an annual pass.

“We know that our parks and campsites are seeing record attendance. This is a good thing. Alberta’s beautiful outdoors has provided a welcome refuge for so many who needed to get away from the difficulties of the public health emergency and our economic recession. We need to be encouraging people to spend their summer and their time outdoors in the province, not charging them more to do so at a time when so many Albertans are struggling to make ends meet.”