NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - There is no path to net-zero emissions that does not involve Canada’s forests. Planting trees is a natural climate solution that removes and stores carbon from the atmosphere while providing other benefits such as better air and water quality, particularly in urban settings, supporting biodiversity and decreasing the risk of wildland fire in rural communities. It also provides spaces for recreational opportunities that improve our quality of life and connection to nature.

Today, Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, announced $50,000 to the City of Greater Sudbury in support of the Government of Canada’s plan to plant two billion trees over 10 years. The City of Greater Sudbury will plant 50,000 trees to advance ongoing replanting efforts across the region. The funding announced today will help the community double replanting efforts this year.

The Two Billion Trees program continues the Government of Canada’s existing efforts to advance tree planting as an important part of the solution to climate change. Canada’s plan to plant two billion trees is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 megatonnes annually by 2050. It will create up to 4,300 green jobs.

With the help of dedicated organizations across the country, we are growing healthy, vibrant and sustainably managed forests, leaving behind a green legacy for future generations.

Natural Resources Canada is implementing this plan with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Planting two billion trees represents a 40 percent annual increase in the number of trees planted in Canada and will see trees planted in both urban and rural areas across the country. In 10 years, the new trees will cover more than 1.1 million hectares, an area twice the size of Prince Edward Island.

Quotes

“Tree planting is good for the environment and our community. These trees will result in increased biodiversity, more resilient communities and more green jobs, benefiting the people of Nickel Belt - Greater Sudbury now, and in the future.”- Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources

“Planting two billion trees is more than a plan for climate action. It’s a plan for creating thousands of good, green jobs. We’re rolling out tree-planting projects right across the country. Planting trees gets us to net zero.” - The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources

“In my lifetime, Sudburians have planted more than 10 million trees and completely transformed our once-barren landscape. I thank the City of Greater Sudbury and NRCAN for collaborating to continue this tremendous transformation, a collaboration we will remember for generations to come.” - Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

 “Greater Sudbury is known for our world-renowned regreening efforts and is proud to join the Government of Canada’s mission of planting two billion trees over the next 10 years. Alongside municipalities across Canada, it is our duty to help lead climate solutions that support biodiversity and the well-being of residents. With the help of the federal government, our city is committed to planting 50,000 seedlings in an effort to grow a net-zero future.” - Brian Bigger, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada has committed up to $3.2 billion over 10 years, starting in 2021–22, to deliver on this commitment.
• This is part of a broader Government of Canada approach to embrace the power of nature, recently announced as part of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.
• The government has established an advisory committee of experts on nature-based climate solutions to advise on program delivery to maximize emission reductions and deliver on key biodiversity and human well-being co-benefits to improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Associated Links

2 Billion Trees Commitment

A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy Backgrounder

Nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaption

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Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon,
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré MP Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416