For Immediate Release
May 15, 2009

BAIRD OPENS RIDEAU CANAL TO BOATERS
Minister Urges Safe Start to Season By Launching Boating Safety Awareness Week

OTTAWA—With Ottawa’s founder Colonel John By looking on, John Baird, local Member of
Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, helped open the Ottawa Locks to mark the start of the 177th season of boating on the Rideau Canal.

“This is a real honour,” said Baird. “The Canal has such a rich history and today is a vital part of the
mix of attractions that makes Ottawa a popular tourist destination. It’s a real asset to our economy and to Ottawa’s quality of life.”

Baird marked the occasion by announcing, on behalf of Parks Canada more than $2 million in
restorative repairs to the Canal’s stone walls. The money, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, will help create jobs and protect the integrity of the Canal, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

May 16th – 22nd is Boating Safety Awareness Week in Canada. And Baird urged boaters on the Canal and across Canada to be safe this season. For ways to keep you and your family safe on the waters, visit: www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

“Summer should be a time to get out and enjoy good weather and good fun,” said Baird. “Each of us can do our part to make sure we our time on the water as safe as possible.”

For more information:
Chris Day, Press Secretary
Office of John Baird, MP
Ottawa West-Nepean
(613) 996-0984