In a media release today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced that the governments of Canada and Manitoba have signed an Agreement in Principle (AiP) under the 2 Billion Trees program.
The release states, “While the Government of Canada engages directly with individual organizations across the country toward planting trees under the 2 Billion Trees program, working closely with provinces and territories on shared planting plans is another way to strengthen the program and tailor results for local communities. AiPs are a vital first step in moving toward concrete agreements further supporting tree-planting initiatives across the country. With this agreement, Canada and Manitoba are leveraging their shared commitment to delivering social and environmental benefits for communities through tree planting.
As Canada is welcoming the world to Montreal for the Nature COP – COP15 – Canada continues to work with partners to safeguard nature and build a bright future for generations to come including through the 2 Billion Trees program. During COP, Minister Wilkinson announced the launch of the third call for proposals of this program, ensuring additional long-term agreements with eligible partners, including Indigenous communities and partners, municipalities and for- and non-profit organizations, as we continue to advance our commitment to support partners in planting two billion trees by 2031.”
Nesbitt said, “The Manitoba government plants millions of trees every year in forests throughout the province; this collaboration will support the planting of an additional 500,000 trees annually. Initially, Manitoba will focus on planting these trees in areas adversely affected by natural disturbances such as wild fires, forest insects and diseases. Manitoba will also form partnerships to support tree planting in Indigenous and urban communities.”
