Mr. Speaker, Resolute Forest Products is now the largest manager of Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests in the world. This is a globally respected standard for sustainable forest management, reflecting the latest in scientific knowledge.
The total area of Resolute's FSC-certified forests in North America is 25.6 million acres, which is an area larger than Portugal. The Thorold mill in my region manufactures 100% recycled newsprint and is certified to the FSC recycled standard.
Only 9% of the world's forests are third-party certified to those management standards, and 40% of these forests are right here in Canada.
Our government is supportive of the forest industry, which is the third-largest contributor to the Canadian economy behind energy and minerals.
As the Prime Minister noted last month while announcing a significant federal investment in forestry research, “...money doesn't grow on trees, but trees can create prosperity...”.
Once again I am proud to note that our government and companies like Resolute Forest Products are committed to sustaining Canada's natural environment for future generations.