Stewardship

CPC represents the interests of 14 provincial and territorial agencies, and over 2,700 parks across Canada. United by a common goal, we are committed to enhancing the environmental value of Canada’s parks, encouraging sustainable practices, and promoting access to outdoors experiences for all Canadians.

Celebrating Leadership and Stewardship in Parks Across Canada

Aspira was honoured to serve an the official sponsor of the 2025 CPC Annual Parks Congress, held in Pinawas, Manitoba on October 6–10, 2025. Our sponsorship supported the Annual Awards of Excellence and Awards Program Extension Ceremonies, as well as the Director and Leadership Bursary all of which celebrate the people and organizations shaping the future of parks and conservation in Canada.

Supporting the agencies and individuals who protect and enhance Canada's natural spaces is deeply meaningful for us. At Aspira, we believe that giving back to the communities we serve and celebrating those who champion environmental stewardship are fundamental to who we are. It is an honour to recognize these inspiring efforts, as they reflect our shared commitment to a sustainable future and a healthier planet.

Each year the CPC presents Agency and Individual Awards of Excellence to honour extraordinary achievement, innovation, and leadership in advancing Canada's park and protected areas programs. Nominations are submitted by CPC Board of Director representatives and this year’s recipients exemplify the dedication and creativity that define our parks community.

Aspira was proud to honor each award recipients achievement with a donation made on their behalf to an organization of their choice, continuing the spirit of giving and stewardship that connects us all.

2025 Award Recipients

Micah Messent Young Professional Award of Excellence

• Recipient: Abby Nagel, Park Manager, Saskatchewan Parks
• Charity: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
• Recognition: For her inspiring, education-focused stewardship campaign at Rowan’s Ravine, which transformed park culture, fostering cleaner spaces, more mindful visitors, and a deeper sense of community connection and environmental respect.

Individual Award of Excellence

• Recipient: Shelley MacLean, Parks Manager, Echo Valley and Katepwa Point, Saskatchewan Parks
• Charity: Nature Conservancy of Canada
• Recognition: For her outstanding leadership in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities through collaboration, cultural revitalization, and shared learning, transforming the park into a true gathering place.

Operational Award of Excellence

• Recipient: Graham Brittain, Sr. Capital Infrastructure Planner, Alberta Parks
• Charity: CPAWS
• Recognition: For his leadership in the transformative safety and accessibility upgrades at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, enhancing visitor safety and experience while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

Agency Award of Excellence

• Recipient: Ontario Parks
• Charity: Bear With Us
• Project: Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Reporting Tool
• Recognition: For a groundbreaking, collaborative tool that provides centralized, consistent, and actionable data to support safety, conservation, and operational decision-making in managing human-wildlife interactions.

Agency Award of Excellence

• Recipient: Sépaq
• Charity: ASTROLab du Mont-Mégantic
• Project: Solar Eclipse Event at Mont-Mégantic National Park
• Recognition: For exceptional leadership in organizing the 2024 total eclipse event, delivering an unprecedented nature and educational experience that engaged hundreds of thousands of people and promoted sustainability.

Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients! Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire us to strengthen the collective stewardship of Canada’s parks and protected spaces.

We formed an alliance with NASPD in 2017. Together, we champion and celebrate state parks in all 50 U.S. states. Aspira is dedicated to supporting NASPD by actively engaging with our shared community, inspiring conservation efforts, raising funds for the NASPD Foundation through their annual calendar, fostering collaboration among members, and enhancing NASPD's initiatives through our services.