This last year has been challenging, to say the least. But throughout the year, AMPPE has leveraged the opportunities created by this crisis to deliver solid outcomes for Mountain Parks businesses by ensuring that governments were aware of the unique needs of Parks businesses and by stressing the importance of the Parks to the health of Canadians and the recovery of our economies.

These efforts generated significant outcomes for Parks businesses and put AMPPE in a position to successfully influence a number of government programs that were put together to address the crisis. In addition to the highlighted outcomes listed below, our work resulted in strengthened relationships and a broadened network of partners and supporters. While much work remains, AMPPE is now in a great position to continue to drive results in 2021.

P.S.

In case you missed them, you can read past newsletters HERE

When the CECRA program was announced, Mountain Park businesses were not eligible for the program. AMPPE was the only organization to call on Canada Mortgage and Housing Housing Commission and the federal government to ensure businesses located within National Parks to be eligible for the program. AMPPE succeeded in this effort.

AMPPE called on the Province to develop sector-specific guidelines and successfully compelled the province to change coach guidelines.

AMPPE succeeded in gaining support from all Alberta-based federal MPs to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance. AMPPE did appear making a robust case for tourism in the Mountain Parks. Since then, provincial officials have made repeated calls to AMPPE to ask how they could support our efforts, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada joined our call for free park entry. Since then, four months have been added to Park Pass annual holders to compensate them for the time parks were closed.

AMPPE substantially strengthened ties with the provincial government in 2020. In addition to participating in a number of roundtable discussions and the Red Tape Reduction Task Force, AMPPE was called on to consult on a proposed Government of Alberta liaison office aimed at highlighting Parks issues in Ottawa. AMPPE's strengthened relationship with the Province means that AMPPE will have the connections to ensure this position is directed towards programs that meet the goals of AMPPE members.

Consultations for the 2020 Park plans were suspended in March. AMPPE has continued to advocate on issues related to visitor experience and access. Specifically, we have met with Mountain Park superintendents to discuss winter access and have submitted a proposal to the Banff Field Unit advocating for the mechanical grooming of fat bike trails. In late November, Parks Canada (Banff/Lake Louise) provided us with an overview of what we can expect to see in this years’ plan. They have assured us that the plan builds on previous years efforts and that there will not be any surprises. Parks has created a draft that they intend to circulate in the New Year.

2020 saw a few changes to AMPPE's Board of Directors. Long time Board members Mark Howe (Jasper Rafting) and David Roberts (Fairmont Hotels) have retired from the Board. AMPPE thanks them for their years of service.

AMPPE is also pleased to announce that two new members have joined the Board, Welcome to Clare McCann and Tracy Lowe. Check out AMPPE's 2021 Board of Directors.

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