The government’s plan to plant two billion trees over the next 10 years has been launched and Nature Canada welcomed the initiative as an important climate and nature solution. If done well, tree planting has tremendous potential to help restore degraded ecosystems across Canada, contributing to achieving Canada’s important nature protection and climate goals. Planting trees gives us hope for what we can achieve together.

An Encouraging Long Term Vision

On December 14th Minister O’Regan rolled out the two billion tree planting program (watch speech here). Nature Canada is encouraged by the long term vision that sees these two billion trees added as permanent new forest cover across Canada. We are also pleased to see the establishment of an advisory committee of experts on the wider nature based solutions agenda, which will also advise on the two billion tree program delivery. The committee should reflect expertise in biodiversity, conservation, and climate science, as well as include Indigenous knowledge holders. 

 In the November 30th fall fiscal update, the Government of Canada announced a $3.16 billion fund, over ten years, starting in 2021-22 to plant the 2 billion trees. Nature Canada has welcomed this major investment as a critical downpayment on the Government of Canada’s ambitious climate and nature protection goals including commitments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to protect 25 per cent of land and ocean by 2025.

Identifying Program Recommendations 

Planting the right trees, in the right places, for the right reasons is no small feat. 

Nature Canada has partnered with other environmental organizations across Canada to identify a suite of recommendations to help ensure the two billion tree program has meaningful results for climate change, biodiversity and people. We have recently sent a letter to Ministers regarding the importance of clarifying the program’s objectives and have also submitted a longer list of our technical recommendations.

A Nature Canada webinar exploring the potential of the program and ways for groups to engage took place December 15th in partnership with the Sustainability Network. Watch below, or click here to download the slides. 

Get in Touch

Canada needs communities across the country demanding action on tree planting that delivers outcomes for nature and the climate. Are you part of an organization interested in the two billion tree program? Nature Canada wants to hear from you! We can start thinking about what opportunities the program will create for your organization to lead tree planting in your community, or how best to engage decision-makers so your jurisdiction will benefit from the program.

Get in touch at [email protected], and let’s start the conversation. We are looking forward to working together to reforest Canada!