La Mauricie National Park of Canada
Pass for owners expropriated at the time of the creation of La Mauricie National Park and their descendants
Frequently Ask Questions
How will expropriated families have access to La Mauricie National Park?
Parks Canada is introducing new pass for owners expropriated at the time of the creation of a national park or a national historic site, as well as for their spouses and descendants.
This pass henceforth gives three generations (expropriated owners, their children, their grandchildren, as well as their spouses) the right to access the national park or national historic site whose creation gave rise to their expropriation.
These people will be able to freely visit the places that have special meaning to them such as cemeteries, former residence sites, expropriation commemoration sites, and to take part in commemorative events organized or supported by Parks Canada.
Why has this new pass been created?
This pass will give family members of expropriated owners a way to return to the places that are dear to them in the national park or historic site whose creation gave rise to their expropriation. It is an important step in the continuation of efforts undertaken by Parks Canada in the past few years toward re-establishing relations with communities.
Why are the admissibility requirements announced in August 2010 modified?
In response to requests made by expropriated persons, the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, amended, on June 3, 2011, the exemption of entrance fees announced in August 2010 so that all expropriated owners are eligible, as well as their children and grandchildren (three generations).
This decision is part of the reconciliation process with expropriated persons undertaken by Parks Canada. This measure also reflects the apology motion voted for unanimously in favour at the House of Commons last February 14.
This decision, as this whole reconciliation process, shows Parks Canada's willingness to recognize the contribution of these families and communities to the history of our region and country. They are a solid base upon which Parks Canada intends to continue to build on.
Who can obtain a pass for La Mauricie National Park?
The owners of permanent residences, cottages, land and lumber lots that were expropriated during the creation of La Mauricie National Park, their children, grandchildren and spouses will be able to obtain a pass so that they can revisit the places that are dear to them, which are, today, within in the park.
Each eligible person is responsible for submitting their own application for a pass. For applicants under 18 years old, the pass application can be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
The pass is valid for one national park or national historic site, that is, the one whose creation gave rise to the expropriation of the applicant and his/her family.
Who is the "first generation of expropriated persons"?
The expression "first generation of expropriated persons" refers to persons whose name appeared on the act of ownership of a permanent residence, a cottage, and land or lumber lots expropriated during the creation of a national park or a national historic site and their spouses.
"Second generation of expropriated persons" refers to the children of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
"Third generation of expropriated persons" refers to the grandchildren of the first generation of expropriated persons and their spouses.
How does this pass for the La Mauricie National Park work?
At La Mauricie National Park, this pass will take the form of an identity card with photo and will be issued to any eligible person who applies for one. It is a personal non-transferable pass that will be renewable every five years.
When will the passes be available?
Parks Canada is actively working to institute this new national pass program all across the country. At La Mauricie National Park, this measure concerns a lot of people. We will therefore take time to do things correctly, to ensure that the passes are granted in an efficient, pleasant and personalized manner.
At the first stage, eligible persons who request a pass will have a form to fill out and will be contacted as to the procedure to follow to have their picture taken and how their pass will be distributed to them. That being said, instituting a program of such a magnitude takes time. Our short-term objective, for the 2011 season, is to facilitate access to expropriated owners and their families. To do so, temporary passes will be granted to eligible persons who request them.
How do I make a request?
You can, at this time, apply for a pass. Your application must include the following:
the Pass Application duly completed and signed, and a copy of your birth (or baptismal) certificate in order to prove your identity.
The Pass Application form is available online at Pass Application (PDF - 137 Kb) or a printed form can be obtained at the Parks Canada offices in Shawinigan (702, 5th Street).
The completed form can be mailed or dropped off in person at the following address:
Pass Application
La Mauricie National Park
702, 5th Street
Shawinigan, Québec G9N 6T9
You can also submit your application by fax at 819-536-3661 or by e-mail to: mauricie.archives@pc.gc.ca
When can I apply for a pass?
Anytime, as of March 28, 2011
I still have questions?
For more information on the procedure to follow to obtain a pass, contact us by phone at 819-536-2638 #224 or by e-mail at the following address: mauricie.archives@pc.gc.ca
We will be pleased to answer your questions.
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