2 Million Trees Planted in Honour of Canadian Armed Forces

News release

November 9, 2022     Port Hope, Ontario and Trenton, Ontario      Natural Resources Canada

Forests are essentially the world’s lungs, and they lay the foundation for all life to thrive on our planet. They offer homes and shelter for our wildlife, provide us with materials we can build and create with, and contribute to the quality of our air and bio-economy. And, for some, they are even more than that. Through Trees for Life’s Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, two million trees were planted as a lasting tribute to those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Ryan Turnbull, Member of Parliament for Whitby and Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and  the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, celebrated the completion of Trees for Life’s Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign with the unveiling of a permanent art installation at both the Port Hope and Trenton North ONroutes. Natural Resources Canada contributed $2.4 million to Trees for Life through the 2 Billion Trees program, which aims to motivate and support new tree planting projects. About 30,000 trees were included as part of the 2 Billion Trees funding, supporting the outstanding work Trees for Life’s Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign has done.

The campaign was inspired by the hundreds of Canadians who stood along Highway 401 to salute the fallen military members who served in the war in Afghanistan as they were driven down the 170-kilometre route from CFB Trenton to the coroner’s office in Toronto. From that moment, this stretch of Highway 401 has since been known as the Highway of Heroes, making it a strong Canadian symbol of strength, honour and remembrance.

Trees for Life began the transformation of the Highway of Heroes as a tribute to Canada’s Veterans in 2015, when one tree was planted for every Canadian who served since Confederation. Reaching and surpassing the two million tree goal marks a significant moment in time, where we can reflect and honour all those who have sacrificed themselves for our country. 

Two million trees is no small number. Its meaning gives both weight and recognition in remembrance of those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Quotes

“Along the Highway of Heroes, trees have been planted to symbolize the sacrifices of those who served in Canada’s Armed Forces. This eight-year-long tree-planting campaign with Trees for Life has successfully concluded. This important undertaking also leaves our communities with shade and clean air for generations to come. I would like to congratulate all of those involved.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

Minister of Natural Resources

“As Canadians travel the Highway of Heroes, the memory of our fallen is never too far away. They are in our hearts and in our minds — and with us along the 401 corridor, now lined with millions of trees. Today, as we celebrate the Trees for Life campaign, the newly unveiled sculpture will stand as a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada’s military.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“The Trees for Life campaign honours those who served with a corridor of two million trees. This effort brings attention to their sacrifices and service to our country. Today, I was pleased to join the campaign to announce a new art installation in recognition of this campaign along the Highway of Heroes.”

Ryan Turnbull

Member of Parliament for Whitby

“Until recently, I could not allow myself to imagine that this day would come — that we would plant the last tree as part of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. Now, the highway corridor is reforested with a tree for every hero lost at war while volunteering for military service and for all those that have served. We have completed a marathon of a tree-planting campaign. Millions of trees, millions of dollars, over eight years in the making.”

Mark Cullen

Chair/President and Co-Founder, Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and Trees for Life

Associated links

Contacts

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

               

Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-323-7892
keean.nembhard@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

         

Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

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