Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the start of National Forestry Week.
Forestry was a major force involved in the founding of many of the communities within my riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan and continues to be a vital economic activity throughout the riding today. At the same time, the people of Nanaimo-Cowichan have a great respect and appreciation for not only the revenue but also the beauty provided by the forests. We realize the importance of striking a balance between the environment and the economy.
To help celebrate National Forestry Week, a constituent of mine, Mr. Ed McDonald, a forestry technician with 40 years experience, has graciously donated western cedar seedlings to each member of the House of Commons. On behalf of Mr. McDonald, I invite all MPs to pick up a beautiful B.C. seedling from the antechamber. In planting these cedars, I hope all members will become more aware of the value of our forests in both environmental and economic terms.