Rob Oliphant M.P. Announces Federal Funding of $196,478 to the City of Toronto for Planting Trees

On August 6, 2021, Rob Oliphant, MP, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, announced the Government of Canada funding of $196,478 to the City of Toronto for planting trees including along the Betty Sutherland Trail. Also taking part in today’s announcement were Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Mark Cullen and Mike Hurley from the Highway for Heroes. The planting of these trees is part of the Government of Canada’s plan to plant two billion trees across Canada over 10 years. Not only will these trees enhance local forest cover, but they will also provide a significant urban forest area close to many high-rise residential buildings.

The Government of Canada’s plan to plant two billion trees is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 12 megatons annually by 2050 and will create up to 43,000 green jobs. This plan represents a 40% annual increase in the number of trees planted in Canada. In 10 years, these new trees will cover more than 1.1 million hectares, an area twice the size of Prince Edward Island.

Quotes:
"Anyone who has enjoyed the many parks and trails along the Don Valley will appreciate the importance of trees and forests in our ecosystem. Forests help to keep our air and water clean and store carbon from the atmosphere. We owe it to young people all across Canada to protect the environment and wildlife and to create good jobs." – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Associated links:
2 Billion Trees Commitment
A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy Backgrounder
Nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaption