Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to begin by thanking all the witnesses here today. I also want to thank the Auditor General for this important report.
This conversation today really reminds me of my previous work as a local school trustee, during which I started an annual tree-planting in what is now Rouge National Urban Park. I recall that the children were so enthusiastic to get their hands dirty, to go there and plant the trees for the day. Not only was it a rewarding experience for them, but it was good for the environment. We were strengthening our local biodiversity and supporting an ecological corridor. It was truly a worthwhile initiative that I was able to help lead for the time that I was on the school board.
To connect that to this tremendous undertaking of Natural Resources Canada, which is leading the two billion trees program, I will say that this is incredibly ambitious. The program is happening across the country. It's one that requires working together with provinces and territories with a cross-government approach.
Acknowledging the mandate the environment minister has in supporting the planting of two billion trees, can Natural Resources Canada please speak about how other departments and programs, like Parks Canada and the low carbon economy fund, have contributed to our progress in achieving two billion trees?