The Path of the Paddle Association is fortunate to have received funding through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. This funding has allowed the Board of Directors to hire 2 Wilderness Trail Stewards, Tanice Mackenzie and André Nault. Today, the Stewards and Board Chair Clara Butikofer met with Don Rusnak M.P. to thank him for the government support and talk about their journey. “The Path of the Paddle Association provides a unique student employment opportunity and I’m happy that our government has provided support through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. As they paddle and promote 1100 km of the Great Trail, Tanis and André will gain valuable knowledge, skills and incredible memories to last a lifetime.” Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Rainy River Tanice grew up paddling with her father in southern Ontario and learning outdoor skills at Camp Davern. After many years of attending camp, she was able to take part in the camp's leaders in training program going on a 7 day canoe Portage trip. During High school she was part of school’s rowing team and continues to be an active person hiking on all trails around Thunder Bay. Currently she is heading into her 2nd year at Confederation College, in the forestry technician program. André has been taking part in paddle sports and outdoor activities from a young age, fostering his love for adventure and the outdoors. As a member of the 2017 Métis Nation of Ontario canoe expedition he travelled from Ottawa to Kenora by canoe, which helped his love of canoeing to grow and to gave him valuable experience in the field. André has a Degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Waterloo and a Biotechnology Lab Technician from Conestoga College. André and Tanice have become acquainted with each other and the organization this past week. Their task ahead till August 16th includes paddling, portaging, maintaining, recording mapping information and promoting the 1100km of The Great Trail in Northwestern Ontario. The pair will be documenting their trip and sharing it on social media via Path of the Paddle on Facebook and at www.pathofthepaddleassociation.com as well as sharing their experiences through film and writing. The Board of Directors of the Path of the Paddle Association warmly welcomes Tanice and André to the organization. The Path of the Paddle is a unique portion of the 24,000 km Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail), offering access to some of Northwestern Ontario’s most attractive and historic waterways. Whether just for a day trip or an extensive expedition, travelling on the Path of the Paddle will create memories that last a lifetime. “The Board of Directors and Regional Trail Committees can’t wait for Tanice and André to share their adventures with us. The work they accomplish this summer will help us present the natural beauty of the region to the world. “ Clara Butikofer- Chair – Path of the Paddle Association For a live video/audio interview please contact by Tuesday, July 2nd. Thank you! For further information, please contact: Clara Butikofer, Chair Path of the Paddle Association clara@pathofthepaddleassociation.com 807-620-2922
Tanice Mackenzie, Don Rusnak M.P. and André Nault