VANCOUVER — A Government of Canada investment announced today will help Canada respond to climate change. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, made the announcement of a $20-million contribution to the Forest 2020 Plantation Demonstration and Assessment initiative. The initiative represents the Government of Canada's initial action toward using primarily fast-growing hardwood trees to address climate change. The funding is part of the $1 billion announced by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on August 12, 2003, under the Climate Change Plan for Canada , to stimulate and complement actions on climate change by individual Canadians, industry, business, governments and communities. "Canada is a world leader in sustainable forest management, and the Government of Canada's support for this initiative will help ensure that this continues,¿ said Minister Dhaliwal. "The Forest 2020 Plantation Demonstration and Assessment initiative will explore opportunities that will contribute to both economic development and climate change goals."Under the initiative, options will be developed to attract investments into fast-growing tree plantations to encourage the planting of trees on non-forested rural lands. Such plantations can contribute to helping Canada meet its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. These contributions are highlighted in the Plan and recognized by the signatories to the Kyoto Protocol. A series of fast-growing plantations for demonstration purposes will be established across the country, mainly on private lands. "Establishing forest plantations on currently non-forested rural lands could make contributions to achieving our Kyoto target while providing a new source of fibre for the forest industry," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Not only will this further enhance our message that we are serious about climate change mitigation, it creates new economic opportunities for rural Canadians and other investors." Forest 2020 Plantation Demonstrations and Assessment will provide useful knowledge for a broader vision for sustainable forest management entitled Forest 2020, being developed by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). The Government continues to work closely with the provinces and territories through the CCFM to develop this vision. The Government of Canada has committed more than $3.7 billion to climate change programs and to the development of leading-edge technologies, including $2 billion in Budget 2003. This initiative advances the Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable development of our natural resources — contributing to their economic importance and to a strong society and communities through knowledge, innovation, technology and international leadership. By integrating our economic, social and environmental goals, we can ensure our quality of life and build the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246 The following media backgrounder is also available: The Forest 2020 plantation demonstration and assessment initiative
