Mr. Speaker, National Forest Week is sponsored by the Canadian Forestry Association, Canada's oldest conservation organization. This year's theme is “Canada's Forests...a breath of fresh air”.
The whole world looks to Canada for its wealth of forests and for its expertise and leadership in forest management. Forests are the economic basis of our high standard of living and play a major role in Canadian cultural, spiritual and recreational values.
The mandate of the federal government is for forest protection, forest health, research and development, and international market access. The major domestic commitments have been met by the Canadian Forest Service, which is now 102 years old. In addition, Canadians look to the federal government for international leadership to ensure continued prosperity.
I encourage all Canadians to reflect this week on our forest heritage or to participate in forest week activities.