To participate in Canada's effort and plant two billion trees by 2030, Minister Bibeau is inviting eligible businesses, organizations and municipalities to join Growing Canada's Forests program as early as this spring.

 

The forest is one of the best ways to ensure the sustainable and profitable development of our regions. Trees capture carbon, act as windbreaks and reduce erosion. They improve the quality of air, water, soil, landscape and life in our communities.

 

Reforestation helps create diverse and quality jobs, from sowing to plantation. In the land of apples, maples and large green spaces, the tourism and forest, fruit and sugar production sectors will also benefit from such initiative.

 

Planting two billion trees will double Canada's forest cover, which already accounts for nearly one-third of the world's boreal forests. Canada is a leader in responsible forest management, with nearly half of our forests being certified sustainable.

 

Potential partners who already have access to the land and trees needed for projects of at least 5,000 trees starting this spring are invited to register with Natural Resources Canada by March 25. To validate the eligibility of other projects, enquiries are accepted until May 27.

 

The two-billion-tree initiative, along with the imposition of a price on pollution, is one more federal commitment for a healthy economy in a healthy environment. Canada's recent Enhanced Climate Plan provides $15 billion in new investments, including energy and natural climate solutions, to help us meet our net zero emission target by 2050.

 

"The forest covers three-quarters of our region's territory. It is one of the most diverse, productive and sustainable in North America. Nearly 10,000 forest owners and almost as many quality jobs contribute to its development. Our entrepreneurs and producers are well placed to take part in this great project to plant two billion trees that contribute to the fight against climate change," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead.