Government of Canada encourages Canadians to get closer to nature with Tree Canada's Canada 150 project
OTTAWA, June 4, 2017 David McGuinty, Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre), today unveiled a City of Ottawa community initiative supported by Tree Canada's program "Canada 150 – Tree to Our Nature." He attended this event on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
In honour of Canada 150, Tree Canada will bring Canadian communities together through supporting 150 community-based environmental initiatives. Tree Canada has invited community organizations to restore local parks, recreation areas and school grounds through the planting and maintaining of trees. Varieties such as maple, white pine and western red cedar have long been held as traditional symbols of peace and reconciliation among some Indigenous Peoples, and will be planted as part of the project.
The Government of Canada provided funding for this project through the Canada 150 Fund. The Canada 150 Fund supports local, regional and national activities that allow Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate and make 2017 a memorable year.
Quotes
"2017 has been an exceptional year, and there's much more to come! We are delighted to support Tree Canada's initiative, which gives Canadians the opportunity to experience Canada's natural beauty while giving back to their communities. Let's take advantage of Canada 150 to come together with friends, family and neighbours to revitalize our community spaces and strengthen our environmental awareness."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"In honour of Canada 150, Tree Canada has taken on a mission to preserve the environment that will leave a lasting legacy for our future. This is a great opportunity to rediscover our beautiful landscapes and highlight the importance of responsible and sustainable management of the environment."
— David McGuinty, Member of Parliament (Ottawa South)
"We're thrilled to be partnering with the Government of Canada to deliver Canada 150 community tree-planting celebrations all across the country. These events are a perfect way to commemorate Canada's legacy in a positive, meaningful and lasting way, all while engaging people from coast to coast to coast."
—Michael Rosen, President, Tree Canada
Quick Facts
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $775,000 for Tree Canada's "Canada 150 – Tree to Our Nature" program.
The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for Canada 150 are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the environment and youth.
The Canada 150 Fund was established in April 2015 and has an overall budget of $200 million.
Through this fund, the Government of Canada is investing strategically in activities that support the vision of Canada 150 and encourage the direct involvement of Canadians.
Associated links
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788, Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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