Mr. Speaker, for 400 years, trees have been vital to the economic success and social fabric of this country, and they continue to be.
However, they are more than that. They help us to correct the environmental damage that each of us causes on this planet. In a lifetime, each of us produces enough carbon dioxide to feed 15 trees. The best way to even things out is to plant at least 15 trees. Our young Canadian scouts do it. We should all do it.
So, each year to celebrate National Tree Day, I plant a tree in honour of a champion in our community.
On Friday, October 1, at 3 p.m., I will be planting a maple tree in the seniors' park in Orléans, in memory of the late Jean-Édouard Landry, a humble servant of his community whose sense of duty continues to inspire the people of Orléans.
He gave his all for those less fortunate than himself. He was a staunch champion of seniors. He and his spouse Jeannine are my friends.
I wish to pay tribute to him on behalf of the community.