Statement by the Honourable Joe Oliver, P.C., M.P., Minister of Natural Resources, on National Forest Week

Natural Resources Canada
2011/88
September 16, 2011

OTTAWA — “Forests are fundamental to our well-being. They play a major role in our economy, culture, traditions and history, and they are essential to our future. Forests and people are interconnected, and every year during the last full week of September, Canadians reflect on the importance of this resource as they celebrate National Forest Week.

“This year’s celebrations are all the more important as 2011 was declared International year of the Forests by the United Nations, and we will celebrate our first-ever National Tree Day. These are all wonderful opportunities to recognize the many ways in which forests benefit our everyday lives.

“As a proud leader in sustainable forest management, Canada is happy to take part in this worldwide celebration. Throughout the year, and especially during National Forest Week, I invite you to take a minute of your time to think about the importance of our forests and to enjoy their abundance and their great beauty.”

To learn more about National Forest Week and the activities taking place in communities across the country from September 18 to 24, please visit: http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/nationalforestweek/2011.

Media may contact:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007

or

Michelle Viau
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.