We also have a dendrologist from Natural Resources Canada, who was asked to provide information to Public Works Canada.
He said:
Thanks for your request and for the opportunity to view the large white elm (Ulmus americana) located to the east of Centre Block on Parliament Hill.
The elm in question currently has less than 20% of the expected live crown of a healthy tree. The few leaves present in the crown are less than half the normal size expected for a white elm, are curling and show dead tissue among the leaf margins. In my opinion, the tree is unhealthy and may not survive into the spring of 2019.
Without testing, it's not possible for me to say what is affecting the tree, but I would speculate either Dutch elm disease or phloem necrosis.
Regardless, as the tree is no longer capable of generating a functional live crown, it can be expected to succumb in the very near future.
Don't hesitate to contact me should you require additional information.
We'll go to questions. We'll start with Mr. Graham.