Environment minister seeks UNESCO world heritage site nominations

For the first time in more than a decade, Ottawa is asking Canadians to nominate national gems as candidates for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna made the announcement Monday in Grand Pre, N.S., home to one of Canada’s 18 UNESCO sites out of more than 1,000 worldwide.

READ MORE: Statue of Liberty, Easter Island among World Heritage sites threatened by climate change: UNESCO

McKenna invited Canadians to suggest places of cultural, historic and natural significance for Canada’s list of nominees to be considered for world heritage status by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Global’s Robin Gill shines some light on what other locations could join the list in time for Canada’s 150th birthday.

2:15 Canadians pick next UNESCO World Heritage sites

She said the additions to the nomination list, last updated in 2004, will be revealed in 2017 in honour of the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

The minister is putting together a committee of heritage experts, including indigenous representatives, to review submissions for Canada’s next world heritage bid.

Five of the 11 sites on Canada’s current nomination list have been inscribed as world heritage sites — most recently Mistaken Point, N.L., which was recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Turkey last month.