Mr. Speaker, Resolute Forest Products is now the largest manager of Forest Stewardship Council certified forests in the world. This is a globally respected standard for sustainable forest management reflecting the latest in scientific knowledge.
The total area of Resolute's FSC certified forests in North America is 25.6 million acres, which is an area larger than Portugal. The Thorold mill in my region manufactures 100% recycled newsprint and is certified to the FSC recycled standard.
Only 9% of the world's forests are third-party certified to those management standards and 40% of these forests are right here in Canada.
Our government is supportive of the forest industry, which is the third largest contributor to the Canadian economy behind energy and minerals.
As the Prime Minister noted last month while announcing a significant federal investment in forestry research, “...money doesn't grow on trees, but trees can create prosperity...”.
Once again I am proud to note that our government and companies like Resolute Forest Products are committed to sustaining Canada's natural environment for future generations.