Earlier today Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, unveiled the federal government’s plan to launch its 2 billion tree initiative in 2021. Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) applauds this thoughtful and inclusive approach which will help Canada move to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Canada’s forest sector plants roughly 600 million seedlings every year so we can renew Canada’s forests, build resiliency, and keep our forests as forests forever. FPAC supports the government’s plan to plant 2 billion trees – above and beyond industry’s annual commitments – and sees opportunities to plant these trees in both urban areas, and across northern Canadian forests that have been hit hard in recent years by pests and fire.
FPAC was pleased to see the government recognize that sustainably managed forests, the use of carbon-storing wood products, and effective conservation are key nature-based solutions and will help us achieve our collective goals for forest resiliency and carbon reduction.
“Each and every year, Canada’s forest sector oversees among the most robust tree planting efforts in the world. We have a tried, tested, and true network of partners and world-leading know-how right here in Canada to get large-scale tree planting done right,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC.
“Today, the government has acknowledged that an incremental national tree planting initiative is complex and will require preparation and specific expertise as well as support from many partners. Canada’s forest sector and our nursery and tree planting partners across the country are ready to do our part to realize the significant environmental, economic and social benefits that the 2 billion trees program promises to deliver”.
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FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $73.6-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 12 per cent of Canada’s manufacturing GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.
For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications
e : kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
t : 613-563-1441 ext. 314
Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC
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