Canada plans to plant two billion trees over a decade, advancing efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Forests play a critical role in capturing carbon, supporting wildlife, cooling urban areas, and providing clean water and soil.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced over $71 million in funding alongside the Honourable Hugh J.A. (Ted) Flemming, New Brunswick Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Development. This funding will support tree-planting projects in New Brunswick.
Federal and provincial funding aims to plant over 52 million climate-resilient trees on publicly managed land in New Brunswick, equivalent to planting over 60 trees per resident. This initiative ensures the right trees are planted in the right places to help forests thrive amid climate change.
The New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN) will receive $295,000 to train individuals and organizations on seed collection and tree planting. The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance will get $33,000 to identify and care for tree-planting sites in Dieppe, where 2,000 trees were planted in 2023.
The 2 Billion Trees program funds these efforts as part of Canada's broader nature-based climate solutions, emphasizing collaboration with local communities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous Peoples.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson highlighted the importance of partnerships with provinces and territories in managing forests and addressing climate change. Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor emphasized the investment's role in restoring biodiversity and ensuring forest sustainability. Minister Hugh J.A. (Ted) Flemming noted the economic and environmental benefits of New Brunswick's forests.
Annika Chiasson of NBEN and Shane Boyd of Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance also praised the program's impact on local restoration efforts and community engagement.
The 2 Billion Trees program has secured agreements to plant over 553 million trees as of March 31, 2023, with ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health of Canada's forests through monitoring and site visits.
